1. Symbol and motif G

2. Learning Targets Define symbol and motif.
Identify examples of symbol and motif in texts.
Identify the difference between a symbol and a motif.

3. Symbol and Motif: What’s the difference?
A reoccurring object in literature that figuratively represents another idea or thing.
A reoccurring object in literature that figuratively represents another idea or thing.

4. Let’s look at some examples from HOMS
Symbol
Motif
Writing Poetry: Identity, therapy, freedom
High heel shoes: sexuality
Women sitting by the window:
Esperanza’s grandmother
Mamacita dreaming of home
Rafeala drinking papaya juice
Minerva sitting by a broken window

5. THINK - Examples from Hunger Games:
Symbol
Motif
Fire: represents her District and Katniss’ rage, rebellion from oppression, ferocity, passion, destruction/rebirth…
Costumes
Explosions
Propaganda film
Mockingjay: represents rebellion from oppression, non- conformity, and Katniss.

6. Let’s look at some examples from BMU
Symbol
Motif
Dreams:
Antonio’s various dreams
Water:
The river
Holy Water
The presence of the river
Etc.
The golden carp
The Virgin of Guadalupe
Ultima’s owl

7. What’s the difference between symbol and motif?
So…
What’s the difference between symbol and motif?

8. Definitions Symbol Motif Stays the Same!
A specific reoccurring object in literature that figuratively (non- literally) represents another idea or thing.
Stays the Same!
A reoccurring object, literary device, or structure in literature that figuratively (non-literally) represents another idea or thing and is almost always related to a theme.
Motifs can appear in different contexts (i.e. water appearing in different ways) – changes shape or form
Motifs can be reoccurring literary devices

9. What do symbols and motifs do? Why do authors use them?
So…
What do symbols and motifs do? Why do authors use them?

10. What do symbols and motifs do? Why do authors use them?
So…
What do symbols and motifs do? Why do authors use them?
They develop theme; they help create the author’s message.

11. Literary Motif vs Arts Motif
Motif (visual arts): an element of an image. A motif may be repeated in a pattern or design, often many times, or may just occur once in a work
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