A motif is a literary term that is an idea, object, or concept that repeats itself throughout a text. Example #t di1

In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, we find a recurring motif of incest accompanied by incestuous desires of some characters. Laertes speaks to his sister Ophelia in a way that is sexually explicit. Hamlet shows obsession for Gertrude’s sexual life with Claudius has an underlying tone of an incestuous desire. Besides, there is a motif of hatred for women that Hamlet experiences in his relationship with Gertrude and Ophelia. Hamlet expresses his disgust for women in Scene 2 of Act I:

Example #2

In Mark Twain’s “The Adventure of Huckleberry Finn”, we see several motifs that support the central idea of the narrative. The motif of childhood gives the novel a lighter tone and makes it enjoyable to read despite its grave central idea i.e. slavery and racism. Both Huck and Tom are young and flexible enough to undergo a moral education and thus are more open-minded than adults. Another obvious motif in the narrative is superstitions. Jim appears silly to believe in all sorts of signs and omens but interestingly predicts the coming event.

Example #3

Joseph Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness” has a motif of observation and eavesdropping. Marlow, the protagonist, gets information about the world either by observing his surroundings or listening to the conversation of others. Similarly, there is another evident motif of a comparison between the exterior and the interior. Initially, Marlow is a person who keenly observes things and people from the surface but as he continues his journey into the heart of darkness, he gains an insight into his deeper nature as well as that of others.

Example #4

The central idea of the co-existence of good and evil in Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mocking Bird” is supported by several motifs. Lee strengthens the atmosphere by a motif of Gothic details i.e. recurrent images of gloomy and haunted settings, supernatural events, full moon etc. Another motif in the narrative is the small town life of Maycomb, which depicts goodness and pleasantness in life.

Function of Motif

Along with presenting a prevailing theme, writers include several motifs in their literary works as reinforcements. Motifs contribute in developing the major theme of a literary work and help readers to comprehend the underlying messages that writers intend to communicate to them.

Motif is an object or idea that repeats itself throughout a literary work.

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"the nautical motif of his latest novel"

synonyms: | theme, idea, concept, subject, topic, leitmotif, element; through line"a recurring motif in her work"
I can think of some I believe.

mōˈtēf/

in i thought my soul would rise and fly it is a diary motif