Motif and Theme

Theme Versus Motif

You have probably heard both of the words theme and motif numerous times in literature classes. Many students mistakenly use them interchangeably. But what exactly are themes and motifs, and how are they related?

The theme is the main idea or message of a literary work. It is the lesson or moral that the author wants the reader to take away from the piece. Themes are usually profound, thought-provoking statements that express a truth about life or human behavior, and they may be difficult to understand. Typically, the theme is not stated directly but left up to the reader to figure out. They are important because they provide insight into why the author wrote the piece.

A motif is not the same as a theme. A motif is a recurring, unifying element in a literary work. Motifs can be recurring symbols, objects, contrasts, ideas, or character types. Often, motifs are used to help develop and identify the themes of stories. However, motifs are also used to connect or unify different parts or sections of the literary work.

Determining Theme and Motifs

Theme and motif are not interchangeable as they are two very different elements. However, they are often dependent upon each other within a literary work. Your English instructor might ask you to discuss the theme and motifs of a novel as they relate to a particular subject. For instance, you may be asked to identify the theme and motifs of F. Scott Fitzgerald's story "Winter Dreams" as it relates to the American Dream. In this instance, the subject is the American Dream. This is the starting point to identifying the theme. You have been given the subject or topic, but it is up to you to determine the theme, or what the author is saying about that topic. Identifying the motifs can provide a clue as to the message or attitude about the subject that the author wants to convey.

Take a moment to analyze the subject and motifs of "Winter Dreams" in order to identify the story's theme. In this interactivity, read the brief introduction and click on each section of the pyramid diagram to examine its theme and motifs.

View a printable version of the interactivity.

 

 

 

Motif and Theme Review

Now that you have explored the function of themes and motifs in literature, review your knowledge in this non-graded activity. Read each statement and decide whether it is true or false, then select the appropriate answer. Click on the player button to get started.