Motif vs. Theme — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 15, 2023
A motif is a repeated pattern, symbol, or idea in a work of art or literature. A theme is the underlying message or main idea conveyed by the work.
Difference Between Motif and Theme
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A motif and a theme are integral components in the realm of art and literature, but they serve different purposes. A motif can be seen as a recurrent image, symbol, concept, or any particular element that appears multiple times throughout a work. By continually making its presence felt, a motif reinforces the narrative's direction and emphasizes its thematic elements.
In contrast, a theme is broader. It's the central idea, lesson, or message that the artist or author wishes to communicate to the audience. While a motif can be tangible, such as an object or a recurring phrase, a theme is more abstract, representing the work's deeper meaning. Themes provoke thought and elicit emotions, making them pivotal in interpreting the essence of a narrative.
For example, in a story where a particular color, say red, consistently appears whenever there's danger, that color becomes a motif. Its recurring presence helps readers or viewers anticipate upcoming events. On the other hand, if the story revolves around the struggles of human ambition, then that becomes its theme.
To further differentiate, while a work can have numerous motifs adding depth and layers to the narrative, there are usually one or a few dominant themes that drive the story's core message. Motifs help in highlighting and supporting these themes, making them more pronounced and impactful.
Comparison Chart
Nature
Repeated element or pattern
Central idea or message
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Tangibility
Can be tangible (symbols, images)
Abstract and conceptual
Occurrence
Appears multiple times
Prevails throughout, but may not be overtly repeated
Purpose
Reinforces narrative direction and emphasizes thematic elements
Conveys the underlying message or lesson
Multiplicity
Multiple motifs can support a single theme
Usually one or few dominant ideas driving a story's message
Compare with Definitions
Motif
A recurring symbol or pattern in art or literature.
The broken mirror became a motif, signaling misfortune in the story.
Theme
An underlying topic of discussion or argument.
The theme of the conference was sustainable energy.
Motif
A brief musical phrase or rhythmic pattern.
The composer introduced a haunting motif that recurred throughout the symphony.
Theme
The subject or topic on which something is based.
The main theme of his speech was unity and peace.
Motif
A dominant idea or distinctive feature in artistic or literary compositions.
The repeated use of circles was a striking motif in the artist's collection.
Theme
A topic of discourse or discussion.
Motif
A distinctive and recurring form or shape.
The architect used arches as a motif throughout the building's design.
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.
Motif
An element that represents a theme.
The motif of darkness accentuated the theme of despair in the novel.
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 central idea or message of a work.
The theme of the poem was the transient nature of life.
Theme
A repeated idea or concept in a work.
Friendship emerged as a strong theme throughout the novel.
Common Curiosities
Can a motif be a sound or musical phrase?
Yes, motifs can be auditory, like a repeated musical phrase or sound.
Can colors or objects act as motifs?
Absolutely, colors, objects, sounds, or even character actions can all serve as motifs.
Can a work have multiple motifs?
Yes, a single work can have numerous motifs adding depth and layers to the narrative.
Is a theme always explicitly stated?
No, themes are often implied and require interpretation.
How do themes differ from motifs?
Themes represent the central ideas or messages, while motifs are repeated patterns supporting those themes.
Is the main idea the same as the theme?
Generally, yes. The main idea often aligns with the theme or central message of a work.
What's the primary function of a motif in literature?
A motif reinforces narrative direction and emphasizes the story's themes.
How do motifs enhance a story's theme?
Motifs, through repetition, draw attention to and strengthen the story's central themes.
Are themes universal across cultures?
Many themes, like love, betrayal, or courage, are universal and resonate across cultures.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
