A motif is a recurring image, idea, symbol, phrase, or situation in a literary work. It supports and develops the theme by appearing repeatedly and accumulating meaning.

For example, in Macbeth, blood is a motif that recurs throughout the play, symbolising guilt and violence. Motifs can be visual, verbal, or structural, and they help unify a work and guide the reader's attention. Unlike a symbol, which may appear once and carry deep meaning, a motif is defined by its repetition.

Key points

• Recurring element in a text
• Supports the theme
• Can be an image, idea, or phrase
• Defined by repetition