Thank you so much for explaining this! It inspires me to pick up an old project that I never finished. It has a really strong motif and theme that is tied in with a certain animal. I liked the character and imagery but it never had enough plot. Now, I have some better plot ideas. So, thanks again for another helpful video!
Motif: A repeating series of identical or similar events used to create meaning through its own change. Symbol: an object that represents an idea. Theme: A thematic question that the antagonist and protagonist answer in opposite ways. If a story is a pad of concrete, motifs are like rebar. Good motifs create extraordinary meaning by manipulating objects that are otherwise utterly innocuous. A trash compactor runs over a cockroach and doesn’t notice. Utterly innocuous. Means nothing to anyone. But 2 hours ago you showed that the trash compactor loved that cockroach because last time he ran him over, he got worried and made sure the cockroach was okay. That’s the pattern. Change it. Manipulate it. Create meaning out of the utterly innocuous. - WALL-E
I always thought motif was just another trope, then I thought it was another word for what a character does, like Nux Taku's thing is being toxic to toxic people and wholesome to wholesome people. I never actually looked up what motif was.
Let me confess that I'm still learning English and watching your videos is like feeding a torch with high voltage...let's hope my components could adapt to it and someday I would compete with you as a writer 😎
Technically you could say themes are motifs, because the main theme of the story world is reinforced at every Midpoint and at every Climax involving the Need of the character to see it so they can change or not. The same breaks down to the character's themes as well, because they repeat and absolve by the story's end from the journey they go on to learn. Motifs make an idea whole through repetition, not just minor ideas repeating of the story setting, objects, frequently running specific dialogue or narration. Motifs are in fact laced into the very DNA of story structure itself from the _very_ beginning.
Hi this is very helpful. I knew what motifs were but you explained a motif very well and also compared it with symbol and theme. You won't believe a motif in a novel I am publishing in a few days. It's orange peelings. In fact it turns out to be a clue solving the mystery. Your thoughts please.
I got a book I completed. Not sure what the motif is, but the theme is "fighting for peace"; in fact, I use that phrase in the first paragraph of the first chapter, an a backhand to a particular group of people the MC is among. I've stated a few times, that Angel shouldn't be the MC of this story; but if she or one of her kind weren't the MC, this story wouldn't happen. If I were to put a motif to it, I'm not sure if I could condense it beyond, "saving the world hurts, on all levels."
" At first he was a beginner, but now he's a master. But the journey's wasn't easy. Wielding axes and blades takes time. He would have to sit in the armory, staring at the swords preposterously, even if it did nothing. Now, he would take to the forests and execute all the people who would dare to step foot on the glorious empire of Xanchior. But this time, an important job was to be done. The Hornade, the blade of the skies, was lost, and it was his job to retrieve it, even if it needed to take the lives of thousands." How's this for a first line Reedsy please tell.
This is the first time I'm hearing about motif and symbol
Thank you so much for explaining this! It inspires me to pick up an old project that I never finished. It has a really strong motif and theme that is tied in with a certain animal. I liked the character and imagery but it never had enough plot. Now, I have some better plot ideas. So, thanks again for another helpful video!
Motif: A repeating series of identical or similar events used to create meaning through its own change.
Symbol: an object that represents an idea.
Theme: A thematic question that the antagonist and protagonist answer in opposite ways.
If a story is a pad of concrete, motifs are like rebar. Good motifs create extraordinary meaning by manipulating objects that are otherwise utterly innocuous.
A trash compactor runs over a cockroach and doesn’t notice. Utterly innocuous. Means nothing to anyone. But 2 hours ago you showed that the trash compactor loved that cockroach because last time he ran him over, he got worried and made sure the cockroach was okay. That’s the pattern. Change it. Manipulate it. Create meaning out of the utterly innocuous. - WALL-E
I was looking for the meaning when it comes to music theory, but honestly this helps too
These videos are so helpful! Thank you for making them ❤️
Love your videos so much!! I have learnt so much for my creative writing and you have inspired me for a lot of my videos! 😍
Thank you for this video, not everyone can understand the problem of story based on a reality show
I always thought motif was just another trope, then I thought it was another word for what a character does, like Nux Taku's thing is being toxic to toxic people and wholesome to wholesome people.
I never actually looked up what motif was.
'Motif' is definitely one of those words you hear all the time without ever knowing what it actually means haha. That was me for a long time!
Excellent post, thanks for the informative content always.
What music do you use in the background of these videos?
It's super relaxing and I'd love to use it while I'm writing.
Let me confess that I'm still learning English and watching your videos is like feeding a torch with high voltage...let's hope my components could adapt to it and someday I would compete with you as a writer 😎
Technically you could say themes are motifs, because the main theme of the story world is reinforced at every Midpoint and at every Climax involving the Need of the character to see it so they can change or not. The same breaks down to the character's themes as well, because they repeat and absolve by the story's end from the journey they go on to learn. Motifs make an idea whole through repetition, not just minor ideas repeating of the story setting, objects, frequently running specific dialogue or narration. Motifs are in fact laced into the very DNA of story structure itself from the _very_ beginning.
Thank you for the video! Very informative
You literally saved my day. Let me ask you which is your favourite book from your bookshelf?
Hi this is very helpful. I knew what motifs were but you explained a motif very well and also compared it with symbol and theme. You won't believe a motif in a novel I am publishing in a few days. It's orange peelings. In fact it turns out to be a clue solving the mystery. Your thoughts please.
Sounds really interesting, good luck with your book launch!
New camera? I can almost read all the book titles on the shelf.
gaspec is a motif syndrome from oxygenic strum CORRECT
Love your videos
Your video help me .... thank you
I got a book I completed. Not sure what the motif is, but the theme is "fighting for peace"; in fact, I use that phrase in the first paragraph of the first chapter, an a backhand to a particular group of people the MC is among.
I've stated a few times, that Angel shouldn't be the MC of this story; but if she or one of her kind weren't the MC, this story wouldn't happen. If I were to put a motif to it, I'm not sure if I could condense it beyond, "saving the world hurts, on all levels."
I am mystified?
You shoulda put a motif in this video... :-)
School sent me here
I think I have used motifs and didn't know they were called motifs. LOL :)
not there he smokenough
4:54 no examples no clear explanation of what is motif
" At first he was a beginner, but now he's a master. But the journey's wasn't easy. Wielding axes and blades takes time. He would have to sit in the armory, staring at the swords preposterously, even if it did nothing. Now, he would take to the forests and execute all the people who would dare to step foot on the glorious empire of Xanchior. But this time, an important job was to be done. The Hornade, the blade of the skies, was lost, and it was his job to retrieve it, even if it needed to take the lives of thousands." How's this for a first line Reedsy please tell.
Can life be a motif?
Or being born?
Cute
This is not for biology students 😁
Does she have a boyfriend?