1. Symbols and Motifs
Differences, similarities, and how they contribute to the theme of a work

2. Symbol
A symbol is literary device that contains several layers of meaning, often concealed at first sight, and is representative of several other aspects than those that are visible in the literal translation alone. Symbol is using an object or action that means something more than its literal meaning.

3. Examples of symbols A dove is both a bird and a symbol of peace
Chains can represent both literal and figurative bondage (i.e., slavery)
In Lord of the Flies, the conch is both a shell used to call the boys to meet, as well as a symbol of order and democracy.
*Notice how each of these symbols has two meanings: a literal one and figurative one

4. Motif
A motif is any element, subject, idea or concept that is constantly present through the entire body of literature. While a symbol might occur once in literature to signify an idea or an emotion, a motif can be an element or idea that repeats throughout that piece of literature. A motif could be expressed by a collection of related symbols.

5. Examples of Motifs
Sometimes a motif can be a contrast, like "light and dark." A series of symbols that could represent this motif might be:
moon shadows (shades of darkness)
a candle (a light in the darkness)
storm clouds (temporary darkness)
a ray of sunshine (emerging from darkness)
a tunnel (through the darkness)

6. Examples of motifs, cont.
In fairy tales, a common motif is the simple, pretty peasant girl or girl from a modest background in fairytales discovering that she is actually a royal or noble by the end of the tale.
In Lord of the Flies, the contrast of civilization vs. savagery is a constant motif represented by a series of symbols:
Civilization: clothing, conch, rules
Savagery: masks, the beast, “The Lord of the Flies”

7. Theme
The theme is the underlying message of a work. It is the lesson or knowledge that the author wants the reader to take away from the work.
Themes must be written in complete sentences.
A work can have more than one theme, just like it can have more than one symbol or motif.

8. Examples of Themes “The Three Little Pigs”: hard work pays off.
“Harrison Bergeron”: Individuality is more valuable than conformity.
To Kill a Mockingbird: “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view […] until you climb into his skin and walk around in it."
Lord of the Flies: There is beast inside us all.

9. How are symbols, motifs, and themes related?

10. Assignment In your journals, locate: One symbol (quote)
One motif (quote)
One theme (quote)
Describe how these elements are all related to one another. How do the symbol and motif contribute to the theme?