What does the term "motif" refer to in literature?

The term "motif" in literature specifically refers to a recurring element, symbol, or idea that appears throughout a work. This repeatability serves to reinforce the underlying themes or messages of a narrative. Motifs can manifest in various forms, including symbols, phrases, or patterns, and they often enhance the reader's understanding of the character's struggles, thematic depth, or context within the story.

For instance, a specific color or image might reappear at critical moments, helping to establish connections between different parts of the text or highlighting a character's emotional journey. While a central theme encapsulates the broader message of a work and character journeys focus on individual development, a motif serves as a more tangible, often visual or conceptual link that ties the narrative together and enriches the reading experience.

In contrast, a style of writing pertains to the author's unique way of expressing ideas, which can be distinct but is separate from the concept of a motif. A motif is tied to repetition and significance in the narrative itself rather than the author's overall expression.