Theme vs. Motif: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Presence
Usually singular and overarching
Appears repeatedly throughout a work
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Example in a Novel
"The corrupting influence of power"
A recurring crown symbol
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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.
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Oct 28, 2023
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Motif
A recurring element in a work that emphasizes its theme.
The raven became a dark motif in the poem.
Sara Rehman
Oct 28, 2023
Theme
The underlying message or insight in literature or art.
The play's theme revolved around the consequences of jealousy.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 28, 2023
Motif
A pattern or theme in design and arts.
The motif of stars was evident in the tapestry.
Janet White
Oct 28, 2023
Theme
A topic that acts as the foundation for a discussion or work.
The documentary's theme was climate change.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 28, 2023
Motif
A dominant idea or feature that characterizes a work.
The recurring dream was a key motif in the film.
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Oct 28, 2023
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Theme
An idea that recurs and pervades a work.
The theme of redemption is evident throughout the novel.
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Oct 28, 2023
Motif
A distinctive feature or repeated idea in literature or art.
The motif of the sea connected all the stories in the anthology.
Janet White
Oct 28, 2023
Motif
An image, symbol, or concept that appears repeatedly in a work.
The rose, a motif in the book, symbolized fleeting beauty.
Sara Rehman
Oct 28, 2023
Theme
An implicit or recurrent idea; a motif
A party with a tropical island theme.
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Oct 13, 2023
Motif
(Music) A short rhythmic or melodic passage that is repeated or evoked in various parts of a composition.
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Oct 13, 2023
Theme
(Music) A recurring melodic element in a composition, especially a melody forming the basis of a set of variations.
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Oct 13, 2023
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.
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Oct 13, 2023
Motif
A recurring or dominant element; an artistic theme.
See how the artist repeats the scroll motif throughout the work?
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Oct 13, 2023
Motif
(music) A short melodic or lyrical passage that is repeated in several parts of a work.
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Oct 13, 2023
Theme
A concept with multiple instantiations.
Variations on the theme of entrepreneurial resourcefulness
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Motif
(dressmaking) A decorative appliqué design or figure, as of lace or velvet, used in trimming.
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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
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Oct 13, 2023
Motif
(crystallography) The physical object or objects repeated at each point of a lattice. Usually atoms or molecules.
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Motif
(chess) A basic element of a move in terms of why the piece moves and how it supports the fulfilment of a stipulation.
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Theme
(music) The main melody of a piece of music, especially one that is the source of variations.
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Motif
(biochemistry) In a nucleotide or aminoacid sequence, pattern that is widespread and has, or is conjectured to have, a biological significance.
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Oct 13, 2023
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.
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Oct 13, 2023
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.
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Oct 13, 2023
Motif
A decorative appliqué design or figure, as of lace or velvet, used in trimming; also, a repeated design.
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Theme
(linguistics) Theta role in generative grammar and government and binding theory.
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Theme
(linguistics) Topic, what is generally being talked about, as opposed to rheme.
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Motif
A unifying idea that is a recurrent element in a literary or artistic work;
It was the usual `boy gets girl' theme
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Theme
(transitive) To give a theme to.
We themed the birthday party around superheroes.
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Oct 13, 2023
Theme
To apply a theme to; to change the visual appearance and/or layout of (software).
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Oct 13, 2023
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.
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Oct 13, 2023
Theme
Discourse on a certain subject.
Then ran repentance and rehearsed his theme.
It was the subject of my theme.
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Oct 13, 2023
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.
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Oct 13, 2023
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
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Oct 13, 2023
Theme
A unifying idea that is a recurrent element in a literary or artistic work;
It was the usual `boy gets girl' theme
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Oct 13, 2023
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
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Oct 13, 2023
Theme
An essay (especially one written as an assignment);
He got an A on his composition
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Theme
(linguistics) the form of a word after all affixes are removed;
Thematic vowels are part of the stem
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Theme
Provide with a particular theme or motive;
The restaurant often themes its menus
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Oct 13, 2023
Theme
The lesson or moral conveyed by a story.
The theme of the fable was honesty is the best policy.
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Oct 28, 2023
FAQs
Can a work have multiple motifs?
Yes, a work can contain several motifs that support or relate to the theme.
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Nov 15, 2023
Is the theme always explicitly stated?
No, themes can be implicit, requiring interpretation by the reader or viewer.
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Nov 15, 2023
How do I identify the theme in a story?
Look for the central message, lesson, or insight that emerges consistently.
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Nov 15, 2023
Can a character be a motif?
Yes, if a character or their actions repeatedly underscore the theme, they can be considered a motif.
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Nov 15, 2023
Why are motifs important?
Motifs emphasize, illuminate, or give depth to the theme and other narrative elements.
Sara Rehman
Nov 15, 2023
Can motifs be auditory, like a repeated sound or song?
Yes, motifs can be visual, auditory, or even thematic elements.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2023
How do themes relate to genres?
While genres categorize stories based on narrative style, themes provide the underlying message or insight irrespective of genre.
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Nov 15, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2023
Is the main theme always obvious?
Not always; some works have subtle themes requiring deep analysis.
Sara Rehman
Nov 15, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2023
How are themes developed?
Themes are developed through plot, characters, setting, symbols, motifs, and other narrative elements.
Janet White
Nov 15, 2023
Can a motif evolve over time within a work?
Yes, motifs can evolve or change in significance as the narrative progresses.
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Nov 15, 2023
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.
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Nov 15, 2023
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.
Harlon Moss
Nov 15, 2023
Are motifs limited to literature?
No, motifs are prevalent in music, film, art, and other creative mediums.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2023
How does a theme contribute to a narrative?
Theme gives depth, meaning, and a central idea around which the narrative revolves.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2023
Are motifs always symbolic?
Often they are, but a motif can also be a literal or direct representation.
Sara Rehman
Nov 15, 2023
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.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 15, 2023
Can one story have multiple themes?
Yes, many stories address multiple themes, each with varying degrees of emphasis.
Sara Rehman
Nov 15, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
