1. Motifs How to identify motifs in literature

2. What is a motif? Motif: A unifying element in an artistic work, especially any recurrent image, symbol, theme, character type, subject, or narrative detail. A given motif may be unique to a work or it may appear in numerous works by the same author or different authors. (Source: Bedford Glossary of Critical and Literary Terms, pg. 277)

3. Motif in Movie Soundtracks https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fq5O2ALsIg

4. What is a motif? Recurring structures, contrasts, or literary devices that can help to develop and inform the text’s major themes Unlike a theme, a motif can be expressed in a single word or fragment.

5. Examples of motif http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3c6KLDAuxk

6. What is a motif? A motif may be: –a literary element used repeatedly in one text –two contrasting elements in a work (good and evil) –a literary element used over time in various texts, providing a useful example of a cultural "constant"

7. Why use a motif? It allows us to see main points and themes that the author is trying to express, in order that we might be able to interpret the work more accurately.

8. Examples of motif Cinderella motif a poor, mistreated, beautiful, kind young girl is rescued by a dashing, kind, rich man. How many movies, books, etc. can you name with this motif?

9. Examples of motif in The Outsiders Eye color (Dally and Darry) Literature (Great Expectations, Gone With the Wind, English Class) Loss of Consciousness

10. Examples of motif in The Odyssey The surprise attack Disguise Seductresses

11. Examples of motif to look for in To Kill a Mockingbird Superstitions Boundaries Secrets and Hypocrisies Walking in someone’s skin Losing Battles “when to worry” Mockingbirds Blind spots