Motif

A motif is a reoccurring element that helps develop the theme and mood in a story. Usually the motif has a symbolic significance to a bigger idea. Motifs can be created by objects, images, words, phrases, literary devices, sounds, and actions. The difference between a theme and a motif is that a theme is more of an overall message or idea of a story, while a motif is a element that is repeated for emphasis for a larger meaning.

An example of a motif is the 'beast' in the Lord of the Flies. The' beast' reoccurs throughout the book as obscure objects seen by the children and motivation to move the plot along. It symbolizes the savage behavior that results from their fearful imagination.

Another motif example would be the repeated phrase in Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut: "So it goes"

Motifs are used in music and films. A motif for the movie 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' is the theme song that repeats throughout the movie to illustrate a certain mood. It is played when the characters have a sense of a new beginning.