2. What is a motif? A motif is a real concrete element of the text that actually appears written down on the page. Motifs are repeated again and again throughout a text and through this repetition they begin to symbolize bigger ideas. Remember this idea of bigger ideas because it is important when understanding the relationship between motifs, topics and themes.

3. Why is it Important to Understand Motif A motif is important because it allows one to see main points and themes that the author is trying to express, in order that one might be able to interpret the work more accurately

4. So What Is the Difference? What is the difference between Symbol and Motif? Symbols carry a deeper meaning and are used to compare something with something else Motif is not just a word but can be a sound or even an image that is used to help in developing the theme in a literary work.

5. Motif Vs. Symbol. While a symbol might occur once in literature to signify an idea or an emotion, a motif is an element or idea that repeats throughout that piece of literature. A motif could be expressed by a collection of related symbols

6. For Example If we are looking at the motif of a family falling apart (fragmentation) in a novel or a short story this might be represented by a variety of different symbols shattered glass an unfaithful spouse a runaway child Divorce/separation

7. Sometimes a motif can be a contrast, like "light and dark." A series of symbols that could represent this motif might be: Clouds scrolling across the moon Shadows A flickering Candle A long dark tunnel A ray of sunshine bursting through the clouds

8. Motif Certain motifs are universal because they represent patterns common to all human experience. For example, the seasonal and daily cycles are used in all times and all places to represent the general cycle of life and the progress of the individual human life.

9. Motifs Other motifs belong to specific traditions.

10. Below is a List of Motifs Seen Common in Literature Clothing Seasons Colors Paradise Apparent death Supernatural Adversaries Supernatural Helpers Extraordinary Animals Magical Objects Magical Powers Magical Transformations Deep Sleeps Witches Wishes Trickery Consequences of Greed Beautiful Princess Floods Foolish or Dimwitted Hero Importance of Threes Illness Flowers/plants The Beauty and the Beast The Temptation The Returning Soldier The (Victorious) Underdog The Bewitching Woman The Damsel in Distress The Wicked Ogre Struggle of the Poor/Rich The Journey of Escape The Lost The Miracle Journey from Innocence to Awareness Sacrificial Friend/ Savior The Inward Struggle The Quest The Faithful Friend The Love Triangle The Betrayal Revenge Meeting the Supernatural The Search for Identity Justice for All Born Again/Recalled to Life The Corruption of Power Oppression of the Poor Big Brother is Watching The Wild Woman Madness Separation Serpent Garden Tree

11. MOTIF IN THE HUNGER GAMES