Examining Motif in Music, Literature and in Myth.

Motif A usually recurring thematic element; especially a repeated dominant idea or central theme. A single repeated design or color. Motifs are recurring structures, contrasts, and literary devices that can help to develop and inform the text’s major themes.

John Coltrane: “A Love Supreme” Jazz studio album, 1965. 4 Parts: “Acknowledgement,” “Resolution,” “Pursuance,” and “Psalm” Recurring motif: four-note pattern that structures the entire movement. Begins with Bass player. Coltrane performs solos of variations of the motif. Coltrane continuously repeats the four notes in different modulations. After many repetitions the motif becomes a vocal chant.

Where is there motif if TKM? Mockingbird: Atticus instructs Jem and Scout not to shoot Mockingbirds when they get guns. Mr. Underwood writes about Tom Robinson’s death. To persecute Boo Radley would be like harming a mockingbird. Quiet Courage: Mrs. Dubose is courageous. Atticus does not respond violently to Bob Ewell’s threat. Atticus takes on Tom Robinson’s case.