Theme vs. Motif: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Published on November 15, 2023
Theme is the central idea or message in a work, while a motif is a recurring element that supports or illuminates the theme.
Key Differences
In literature and art, the terms "theme" and "motif" serve unique roles, but they both contribute to the depth and richness of a work. Theme refers to the central message, lesson, or insight conveyed by a story or piece of art. It's the backbone upon which narratives are built, the overarching idea that resonates with readers or viewers.
Motif, by contrast, is a recurrent symbol, image, phrase, or any other element that appears multiple times throughout a work. These repetitions aim to emphasize, illuminate, or even subtly hint at the theme or other aspects of the story or art.
To visualize the difference between theme and motif, think of a novel. The theme might be the dangers of unchecked ambition, an idea that is explored and pondered upon throughout the narrative. A motif supporting this theme could be repeated imagery of climbing or ascending, which subtly reinforces the idea of ambition.
Another example could be a movie where the theme revolves around the passage of time. Here, a recurring motif might be the consistent appearance of a ticking clock or changing seasons. Both theme and motif work hand in hand, with the motif serving to accentuate and bring clarity to the theme.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Central idea or message of a work
Recurrent element in a work
ADVERTISEMENT
Function
Gives insight or lesson
Emphasizes or illuminates the theme
Presence
Usually singular and overarching
Appears repeatedly throughout a work
Example in a Novel
"The corrupting influence of power"
A recurring crown symbol
Nature
Abstract
Concrete or tangible
Theme and Motif Definitions
Theme
The main subject or idea presented in a work.
The theme of love and sacrifice is central to the story.
ADVERTISEMENT
Motif
A recurring element in a work that emphasizes its theme.
The raven became a dark motif in the poem.
Theme
The underlying message or insight in literature or art.
The play's theme revolved around the consequences of jealousy.
Motif
A pattern or theme in design and arts.
The motif of stars was evident in the tapestry.
Theme
A topic that acts as the foundation for a discussion or work.
The documentary's theme was climate change.
Motif
A dominant idea or feature that characterizes a work.
The recurring dream was a key motif in the film.
Theme
An idea that recurs and pervades a work.
The theme of redemption is evident throughout the novel.
Motif
A distinctive feature or repeated idea in literature or art.
The motif of the sea connected all the stories in the anthology.
Theme
A topic of discourse or discussion.
Motif
An image, symbol, or concept that appears repeatedly in a work.
The rose, a motif in the book, symbolized fleeting beauty.
Theme
A subject of artistic representation.
Motif
A recurrent thematic element in an artistic or literary work.
Theme
An implicit or recurrent idea; a motif
A party with a tropical island theme.
Motif
A dominant theme or central idea.
Theme
A short composition assigned to a student as a writing exercise.
Motif
(Music) A short rhythmic or melodic passage that is repeated or evoked in various parts of a composition.
Theme
(Music) A recurring melodic element in a composition, especially a melody forming the basis of a set of variations.
Motif
A repeated figure or design in architecture or decoration.
Theme
See topic.
Motif
A recurrent pattern either of molecular sequence, usually of nucleotides or amino acids in proteins, or of molecular structure that usually corresponds to specific biological activity.
Theme
A stem.
Motif
A recurring or dominant element; an artistic theme.
See how the artist repeats the scroll motif throughout the work?
Theme
A subject, now especially of a talk or an artistic piece; a topic.
Motif
(music) A short melodic or lyrical passage that is repeated in several parts of a work.
Theme
A recurring idea; a motif.
Motif
A decorative figure that is repeated in a design or pattern.
Theme
A concept with multiple instantiations.
Variations on the theme of entrepreneurial resourcefulness
Motif
(dressmaking) A decorative appliqué design or figure, as of lace or velvet, used in trimming.
Theme
Any of various colors, or color palettes, in which a design is offered; (GUI) any of various skins for an app, affecting the visuals and perhaps other elements such as sound effects.
Switch to a dark theme to conserve battery power
Motif
(crystallography) The physical object or objects repeated at each point of a lattice. Usually atoms or molecules.
Theme
(dated) An essay written for school.
Motif
(chess) A basic element of a move in terms of why the piece moves and how it supports the fulfilment of a stipulation.
Theme
(music) The main melody of a piece of music, especially one that is the source of variations.
Motif
(biochemistry) In a nucleotide or aminoacid sequence, pattern that is widespread and has, or is conjectured to have, a biological significance.
Theme
A song, or a snippet of a song, that identifies a film, a TV program, a character, etc. by playing at the appropriate time.
Motif
Motive.
Theme
(grammar) The stem of a word.
Motif
In literature and the fine arts, a salient feature or element of a composition or work; esp., the theme, or central or dominant feature;
This motif, of old things lost, is a favorite one for the serious ballade.
The design . . . is . . . based on the peacock - a motif favored by decorative artists of all ages.
Theme
(linguistics) thematic relation of a noun phrase to a verb.
Motif
A decorative appliqué design or figure, as of lace or velvet, used in trimming; also, a repeated design.
Theme
(linguistics) Theta role in generative grammar and government and binding theory.
Motif
A design that consists of recurring shapes or colors
Theme
(linguistics) Topic, what is generally being talked about, as opposed to rheme.
Motif
A theme that is elaborated on in a piece of music
Theme
A regional unit of organisation in the Byzantine empire.
Motif
A unifying idea that is a recurrent element in a literary or artistic work;
It was the usual `boy gets girl' theme
Theme
(transitive) To give a theme to.
We themed the birthday party around superheroes.
Theme
To apply a theme to; to change the visual appearance and/or layout of (software).
Theme
A subject or topic on which a person writes or speaks; a proposition for discussion or argument; a text.
My theme is alway one and ever was.
And when a soldier was the theme, my nameWas not far off.
Theme
Discourse on a certain subject.
Then ran repentance and rehearsed his theme.
It was the subject of my theme.
Theme
A composition or essay required of a pupil.
Theme
A noun or verb, not modified by inflections; also, that part of a noun or verb which remains unchanged (except by euphonic variations) in declension or conjugation; stem.
Theme
That by means of which a thing is done; means; instrument.
Theme
The leading subject of a composition or a movement.
Theme
The subject matter of a conversation or discussion;
He didn't want to discuss that subject
It was a very sensitive topic
His letters were always on the theme of love
Theme
A unifying idea that is a recurrent element in a literary or artistic work;
It was the usual `boy gets girl' theme
Theme
(music) melodic subject of a musical composition;
The theme is announced in the first measures
The accompanist picked up the idea and elaborated it
Theme
An essay (especially one written as an assignment);
He got an A on his composition
Theme
(linguistics) the form of a word after all affixes are removed;
Thematic vowels are part of the stem
Theme
Provide with a particular theme or motive;
The restaurant often themes its menus
Theme
The lesson or moral conveyed by a story.
The theme of the fable was honesty is the best policy.
FAQs
Can a work have multiple motifs?
Yes, a work can contain several motifs that support or relate to the theme.
Is the theme always explicitly stated?
No, themes can be implicit, requiring interpretation by the reader or viewer.
How do I identify the theme in a story?
Look for the central message, lesson, or insight that emerges consistently.
Can a character be a motif?
Yes, if a character or their actions repeatedly underscore the theme, they can be considered a motif.
Why are motifs important?
Motifs emphasize, illuminate, or give depth to the theme and other narrative elements.
Can motifs be auditory, like a repeated sound or song?
Yes, motifs can be visual, auditory, or even thematic elements.
How do themes relate to genres?
While genres categorize stories based on narrative style, themes provide the underlying message or insight irrespective of genre.
Can a motif exist without relating to the theme?
Typically, motifs support or relate to the theme, but they can also emphasize other narrative aspects.
Is the main theme always obvious?
Not always; some works have subtle themes requiring deep analysis.
How is a theme different from a subject?
While a subject is a topic being addressed, the theme is the deeper message or insight about that topic.
How are themes developed?
Themes are developed through plot, characters, setting, symbols, motifs, and other narrative elements.
Can a motif evolve over time within a work?
Yes, motifs can evolve or change in significance as the narrative progresses.
Is a leitmotif the same as a motif?
A leitmotif is a recurring musical phrase associated with a character or idea, so it's a type of auditory motif.
How can one distinguish between theme and motif when both are abstract concepts?
While both can be abstract, the theme is the overarching message or lesson, and the motif is the recurring element that reinforces or relates to the theme.
Are motifs limited to literature?
No, motifs are prevalent in music, film, art, and other creative mediums.
How does a theme contribute to a narrative?
Theme gives depth, meaning, and a central idea around which the narrative revolves.
Can symbols and motifs be the same?
While all motifs can be symbols, not all symbols are motifs. A motif is recurring, while a symbol might appear once but hold deep significance.
Are motifs always symbolic?
Often they are, but a motif can also be a literal or direct representation.
Can the same motif support different themes in different works?
Yes, a motif like "water" might symbolize change in one work and purity in another.
Can one story have multiple themes?
Yes, many stories address multiple themes, each with varying degrees of emphasis.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
