Motif

A recurring element in a work of literature. It is usually a dominant idea or theme and can be an object, setting, or situation that has some symbolic significance and is seen several times within the story. For example, in Shakespeare's Macbeth, hallucinations, violence, and prophecy all act as motifs. Also, in Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre, fire and ice are both examples of motifs.

Etymology

The term is French in origin

Works Cited

Macbeth

Jane Eyre

Reference

Merriam-Webster

Literary Terms