Symbolism and Motifs Devices of the Day

What is a symbol? Simply speaking, a SYMBOL is a word or object that stands for another word or object. A SYMBOL contains several layers of meaning, often concealed at first sight, and is representative of several other concepts than those that are visible in the literal sense.

Let’s look at an example of a symbol in literature: “One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them.” The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien J.R.R. Tolkien’s famous fantasy series, The Lord of the Rings, is a hero’s quest in which the hobbit Frodo Baggins must destroy an all-powerful ring. This object is imbued with magic through its creation, and is a symbol for ultimate power. The ultimate power also becomes equated with evil. The ring simply being in Frodo’s presence begins to turn Frodo toward desire of power, and thus evil. However, Frodo’s ability to combat the power of the ring shows that he possesses a great inner source of goodness.

We’re going to listen to “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman. Identifying a symbol We’re going to listen to “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman. As you listen to the lyrics, try to figure out what the CAR represents.

“Fast car” by Tracy Chapman You got a fast car Is it fast enough so we can fly away? We gotta make a decision Leave tonight or live and die this way

Think-Pair-share What do you think the CAR represents in the song? Turn to a partner and explain what you think. Use the lyrics as evidence.

What’s a motif? In a literary piece, a motif is a recurrent image, idea, or a symbol that develops or explains a theme. What’s the difference between a motif and a symbol? Symbols are images, ideas, sounds or words that represent something else and help to understand an idea or a thing. Motifs, on the other hand, are images, ideas, sounds or words that help to explain the central idea of a literary work. Moreover, a symbol may appear once or twice in a literary work, whereas a motif is a recurring element.

An example of a motif in Julius Caesar Omens and Portents Until Caesar’s death, each time an omen or nightmare is reported, the audience is reminded of Caesar’s impending demise.  Whether or not individuals can affect their destinies, characters repeatedly fail to interpret the omens correctly. In a larger sense, the omens in Julius Caesar  imply the dangers of failing to accurately perceive and analyze the details of one’s world.