What is a motif?

Writers may mistakenly take a motif for the theme of a narrative. Yes, both motif and the theme of a narrative are staunch partners in the narrative world, but they are certainly not the same. Take for example a war story; the mention of a soldier’s boots or a gun may not automatically be the motif of the story unless the writer explicitly shows the relation between them and the story. I did not specify what type of war the story is about. It could even be spiritual war or any type of war. Now in the case of a spiritual war, the mention of a gun or a soldier's boots is not very significant, but a Bible or an amulet has a lot of significance. Let’s define a motif to understand it better.

The definition of motif

Some writers may define a motif as a symbolic object, image, or idea in a narrative. Others may define a motif as a significant theme, concept, or idea that is frequently repeated in a story. Some may even say a motif is a term that repeats itself throughout a narrative. All of these definitions are right.

A motif is a literary device that entails the repetition of a narrative element of symbolic significance.

Let’s define the word “theme.” A theme refers to an idea that recurs in literary or artistic work. Themes are often universal and they always address subjects touching on society.

If a theme of a story were an automobile, then the motif will be the wheel of the automobile. Motif reinforces or supports the theme of the story.

Examples of literary and artwork with motif

The Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling: Harry Potter is a story about a young boy (Harry Potter) who joins a school of witchcraft and wizardry (Hogwarts). He makes friends and foes at Hogwarts. Harry Potter also tries to defeat an evil wizard (Voldemort).

The motifs in the Harry Potter series include:

A scar represents destiny and the power of love

“Muggle-borns” vs. “purebloods” represent racism

Hamlet by William Shakespeare: Hamlet is a story about a young man who is tormented by grief. He seeks the truth to get revenge for his dead father.

The motifs in Hamlet are:

Ears represent the unreliability of truth

Birth and death represent the transiency of life or human existence.

In both examples, you can clearly see the vital part the various mentioned objects or concepts played in driving the main theme of the stories.

I know you are probably asking yourself, “Did he just say symbolism is a motif?” It is very easy to confuse symbolism and a motif, which I believe most writers and even readers do most of the time. But there is a distinct difference between the two.

Symbolism refers to the representation of one thing (an idea or object) using another (idea or object). The most common example is usually a rose symbolizing love. The repetition of a symbol now introduces a motif.

Looking at the Harry Potter series, for example, Harry Potter’s scar still symbolizes destiny and the power of love. But it does not connect to any theme. A motif on the other hand will connect the aspect of symbolism to a theme. In this case, it will be the theme of family.

We can use a summary of how these three relate:

A symbol represents a motif

Motif supports the theme of the narrative or story.

Sources

www.litcharts.com/literary-devices-and-terms/motif

https://blog.reedsy.com/what-is-a-motif

https://www.litcharts.com/literary-devices-and-terms/motif
https://literarydevices.net/motif