Symbols and Motifs

What is the definition of motif?

• A type of theme

• An item that represents something else

• A repeated pattern or image found within a text

• A recurring pattern found in the world

Which of the following statements is true?

• Motifs are usually obvious to spot in a story

• Motifs are usually one word

• A repeated quote can be an example of a motif

• Both B and C

Which of the following answer choices is an example of a motif?

• Courage

• Never give up

• Work hard to achieve your goals

• Always do the right thing

What is theme?

• The main idea of the text

• A symbol of something within the story

• the message or lesson the author want you to learn from the story

• None of the above

How is a motif different from a symbol?

• For something to be a motif, it must repeat throughout the story, whereas a symbol doesn't have to

• Something not important to the text

• something distinct in literature

• None of the above

True or false: A motif can be a symbol that repeats itself, but it can also be an idea, phrase, or concept that repeats

• True

• False

Which of these could be a symbol but NOT a motif?

• A character repeatedly saying "life ain't fair"

• A character always showing up in black

• A dove that appears once in a story

• The American Dream

True or False: Motifs are always hidden in the story

• True

• False

Choose the correct effect of the mirror motif in Snow White:

• It's a motif because it repeatedly comes up in the story

• It represents the honest truth, and emphasizes just how hard it is for the queen to accept that she's no longer the most beautiful

• It highlights the idea that lying to yourself and others is the best course of action

What does a heart typically symbolize?

• Love

• Hunger

• Anger

• Fear