Motifs: Ways of Using It

Motifs: Introduction

Motif refers to a recurring thematic element, image, symbol, or idea that holds significance and contributes to the overall meaning of a work. It serves as a unifying thread, enriching the narrative by reinforcing key themes or emotions. Through its repetition and variation, a motif deepens the reader’s understanding of the text and enhances its artistic and symbolic dimensions.

How to Create Motif in a Fictional Work

To create a motif in a fictional work, follow these steps:

Step	Explanation	Practical Example
1. Choose a Recurring Element	Select a thematic element, image, symbol, or idea that can be consistently woven throughout the narrative.	In The Great Gatsby, the green light across the bay becomes a recurring symbol representing Gatsby’s unattainable dreams and the allure of the American Dream.
2. Introduce the Motif	Introduce the chosen motif organically within the story, allowing it to emerge naturally without overt emphasis.	In To Kill a Mockingbird, the motif of mockingbirds is subtly introduced through Atticus’ advice against harming innocent creatures, setting the tone for themes of empathy and injustice.
3. Repeat the Motif	Repetition of motifs should occur at strategic points in the narrative, reinforcing its presence and significance.	In Moby-Dick, the repeated imagery of the white whale underscores Captain Ahab’s obsession and symbolizes the larger human pursuit of the unknown.
4. Create a Connection	Establish a thematic or emotional connection between it and the broader themes of the work.	In The Scarlet Letter, the recurring letter “A” on Hester’s chest connects to themes of sin, guilt, and societal judgment, highlighting the tension between individuality and societal norms.
5. Develop the Motif	Allow it to evolve and adapt, revealing different facets and interpretations as the story progresses.	In Lord of the Flies, the motif of the conch shell transitions from a symbol of order and authority to one of chaos and power struggles, mirroring the boys’ deteriorating civilization.
6. Use the Motif to Create Meaning	Utilize the motif as a tool to enhance the depth of the narrative, contributing to the overall themes, character development, and symbolism.	In The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield’s fixation on the image of children playing in a field represents his desire to preserve innocence and his struggle with growing up.
7. Use the Motif to Create an Impact	By integrating the motif effectively, enhance the reader’s engagement and understanding, leaving a lasting impression that resonates beyond the surface level.	In 1984, the motif of Big Brother’s omnipresent gaze serves as a chilling symbol of totalitarian control, deeply affecting readers’ perceptions of surveillance and authority.

Remember that a motif should not be forced into the work. It should feel natural and fit within the overall structure of the work.

Benefits of Motif

There are several benefits of using of using in a fictional work, including:

1. Creates Cohesion: Using a motif in a fictional work brings together various elements by creating a recurring thread that ties the narrative together. This cohesion helps unify the story’s different aspects and provides a sense of continuity that guides the reader through the plot.
2. Adds Depth: A motif adds layers of meaning to a story. By weaving a thematic element or symbol throughout the narrative, authors can explore multiple interpretations and perspectives, enriching the story’s complexity and encouraging readers to delve deeper into its themes.
3. Provides Structure: A motif serves as a structural device that organizes and guides the narrative’s progression. Its recurrence at strategic points offers a framework for the story’s development, helping the author manage pacing and foreshadowing while providing the reader with a sense of anticipation.
4. Enhances Reader Engagement: The repetition and evolution of a it pique the reader’s curiosity and involvement. As they notice its appearances and changes, readers become active participants in uncovering its significance, leading to a heightened level of engagement with the text.
5. Creates Emotional Impact: Motifs have the power to evoke emotions on a subconscious level. When a symbol or theme is carefully chosen and developed, it can resonate deeply with readers, tapping into universal feelings and experiences that intensify the emotional impact of the story.

Incorporating these benefits, Using it contributes to the overall depth and impact of a fictional work, enhancing its literary value and enriching the reader’s experience.

Motif and Literary Theory

Literary Theory	Interpretation of Motif	Example
Structuralism	Repeating elements that give structure to the work and create meaning through their repetition	The motif of mirrors in “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” reflects the theme of self-reflection.
Psychoanalytic	Symbols or images that reveal characters’ inner conflicts, desires, and fears	The motif of water in The Great Gatsby symbolizes the characters’ hidden emotions and desires.
Feminist Criticism	Motifs that represent gender roles, power dynamics, or societal expectations	The motif of clothing in The Handmaid’s Tale reflects the oppression and control over women.
Marxist Criticism	Motifs that illustrate class struggle, inequality, or economic systems	The motif of money in The Jungle symbolizes the exploitative nature of capitalism.
Postcolonial Criticism	It implies those which explore the effects of colonialism, identity, or cultural clashes	The motif of language in Things Fall Apart portrays the clash between colonial and indigenous cultures.

Suggested Readings

1. Abrams, M.H. A Glossary of Literary Terms. 11th ed., Cengage Learning, 2014.
2. Baldick, Chris. The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Literary Terms. 4th ed., Oxford University Press, 2014.
3. Cuddon, J.A. The Penguin Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory. 4th ed., Penguin Books, 2013.
4. DiYanni, Robert. Literature: Approaches to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. 3rd ed., McGraw-Hill Education, 2016.
5. Drabble, Margaret, editor. The Oxford Companion to English Literature. 7th ed., Oxford University Press, 2009.
6. Greene, Roland, et al., editors. The New Princeton Encyclopedia of Poetry and Poetics. 3rd ed., Princeton University Press, 1993.
7. Shklovsky, Viktor. “Art as Technique.” Russian Formalist Criticism: Four Essays, edited and translated by Lee T. Lemon and Marion J. Reis, University of Nebraska Press, 1965, pp. 3-24.
8. Wellek, René, and Austin Warren. Theory of Literature. 3rd ed., Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1977.