MOtiFs - Ms. Tonioni's Page · Motifs help to explain the central idea of a literary work i.e....

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MOtiFs

Transcript of MOtiFs - Ms. Tonioni's Page · Motifs help to explain the central idea of a literary work i.e....

MOtiFs

MotIFs aRE: is any recurring element that has symbolic significance in a story. Through its repetition, a motif can help produce other narrative aspects such as theme or mood.

MotIF exAMpLe:Example 1

The typewriter:

Throughout a novel, the main character considers buying a typewriter but decides against it, as they are too expensive or old-fashioned. Deep-down she wants one, as she has always dreamed of being a writer. There are multiple scenes where she sees typewriters in the background of other’s homes. The typewriter emphasizes the theme of avoidance and the protagonist’s temptation to pursue a different career.

MotIF exAMpLe:Example 2

Bad weather:

Throughout a story, there is surprisingly bad weather—snow, freezing rain, and even a tornado. These weather conditions further emphasize the larger theme of nature’s power over humans.

MotIF vS. tHemEA Motif SUPPORTS the theme

MotIF exAMpLe:Theme:

Greed

If a story’s main theme is greed, numerous motifs could highlight this. Imagine the story is about a greedy businesswoman who owns a restaurant.

Motifs:

The protagonist is frequently seen counting money. She lowers her staff’s pay numerous times. Lastly, she frequently purchases new, shiny, showy things.

EXpaNdINg TheMEs:Rather than just saying one simple word for a theme, we are going to start expanding them into more specific and more robust sentences:

Example - what can we change “greed” into for “The Hobbit”?

EXpaNdINg TheMEs:what can we change “journey” into for “The Hobbit”?

MotIF vS. sYmBolMotifs help to explain the central idea of a literary work i.e. theme. Symbols do not have to correlate to the theme

Moreover, a symbol may appear once or twice in a literary work, whereas a motif is a recurring element.

MotIF - sYmBol - or TheMEIn this game you will be given a word or phrase, you will then decide if it is motif, symbol, or theme. You will walk over to where the sign for your chosen device is located. Then we will discuss the outcome

MotIF - sYmBol - or TheMETaking risks can lead to discovering new things about yourself

MotIF - sYmBol - or TheMEThe trolls and their appearance

MotIF - sYmBol - or TheMENature and its challenges

MotIF - sYmBol - or TheMESleep

MotIF - sYmBol - or TheMEThe long journey it takes into becoming a hero leads to new discoveries

MotIF - sYmBol - or TheMEThe sword