Motif in Literature

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

A "motif" is

• A. A sophisticated reason for someone to act

• B. Another term for a theme statement

• C. reoccurring unit or idea in a text

• Both A and B

What is NOT considered a popular motif for dystopian literature?

• Good vs. Evil

• Evil and Control

• Control vs Freedom

• Nature vs. Mechanistic World

A recurring subject, theme, or idea in a literary work

• Literary Device

• Metaphor

• Motif

• Personification

Which of the following most accurately utilizes the term 'motif'?

• 'Romeo and Juliet' explores the motif that "Tragedy has the power to heal disunity."

• A motif in 'Romeo and Juliet' is that Juliet is denied the same agency as Romeo, leading to a power imbalance.

• An important motif in 'Romeo and Juliet' is 'time', given the various symbols and monologues given about time and the various ways in which time impacts characters and plot.

• Pride is a motif in 'Romeo and Juliet' as it ultimately leads to Romeo's tragic downfall.

• Queen Mab, the fairy queen, appears in one prominent monologue, making it one of 'Romeo and Juliet's most impactful motifs.

Which word means a recurring subject, theme, or idea in a literary work?

• Foreshadowing

• Symbolism

• Personification

• Motif

True or False: A motif is a recurring element in a story that has symbolic significance.

• True

• False

Which of the following is an example of a motif in literature?

• A character's internal conflict

• A recurring symbol like a rose

• The climax of the story

• The author's writing style

In 'The Great Gatsby', which motif is used to represent the unattainable American Dream?

• The green light

• The valley of ashes

• The eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg

• The parties at Gatsby's mansion