What is a Motif †Definition and 10 Must-Know Examples

What is a Motif s What is a Motif? Definition and 10 Concrete Examples from Literature Let's just admit it: â€Å"What is a motif and how do you use it?† is a much less sexy question to ask than, â€Å"What’s your book about?†But it’s just as necessary. If the theme of a book is its heartbeat, then motifs in literature are the vessels that keep the blood coursing through the narrative. Among other things, motifs add depth to your writing and steer readers toward your book’s central message (assisted by other strong literary devices).In this post, we’ll look at what a motif is (and what it is not), examine motif examples in action, and explore how you can incorporate motifs into your own writing.What is a motif?A motif is a recurring narrative element with symbolic significance. If you spot a symbol, concept, or plot structure that surfaces repeatedly in the text, you’re probably dealing with a motif. Motifs  must be related to the central idea of the work and they  always end up reinforcing the author’s overal l message.But how can you tell which ones are motifs? Remember that you must be able to connect a motif to the "big ideas" in a book. Just because the narrator mentions a particular pair of shoes a few times, doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a motif - unless the author makes a point of tying it to a bigger question of, let’s say, escape and freedom. (Don’t worry - we’ll provide more concrete motif examples in a bit!)Since they’re repeated throughout a text, motifs are also very traceable. As you're trying to figure out the motifs of a given work, it might be useful to think of them as having a trail of purposeful clues. The author plants these breadcrumbs so that the reader can better work out the ideas behind the work - and its overarching point.That brings up our next question: how do motifs relate to themes? Luckily, we've got the answer for you right here!Motifs support a book's theme How to Create a Character Profile: the Ultimate Guide (with Template) Read post If you need help developing your characters to that point, here are some character development exercises and a free character profile template for your personal use.Option 3: FreewriteIf you’re itching to nail down your motifs before you start writing, but aren’t feeling inspired, consider freewriting. This is the practice of writing down all of your thoughts without stopping for a certain period of time - usually between 10-20 minutes.To tease out your motif, try to start off by freewriting about your theme. When you’re done, go back and see what ideas or symbols surface repeatedly in the exercises. You might be surprised at what your mind produces when the block of self-editing is removed!4. Know that motifs are here to help, not hinderLike themes, motifs are there to help you write your book (and help readers understand them)! If you let them, motifs will add a valuable layer of depth to your story. So don't be afraid of them - let the motifs come to you nat urally as you're writing or planning. You'll find that your themes will thank you for it.How do you approach motifs in your stories? Do you have any more questions or thoughts on the subject? Leave them in the comments below!