10 Compelling Motif Examples to Enhance Your Writing

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 20 June 2023 10 min read

3. F. Scott Fitzgerald's Color Imagery

4. Nature in Emily Dickinson's Poetry

5. The Heroic Quest in J.R.R. Tolkien's Works

6. George Orwell's Political Satire

7. Greek Mythology in Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson Series

8. The Power of Love in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter Series

9. Magical Realism in Gabriel García Márquez's Works

10. Coming of Age in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird

As writers, we're always looking for ways to enhance our work and make it more engaging for our readers. Motifs are a powerful tool that can help us achieve this goal. In this blog post, we will explore 10 compelling motif examples from literature that can inspire and elevate your writing. Let's dive in and discover the fascinating world of motif examples!

1. Symbolism in Shakespeare

William Shakespeare was a master of using motifs to enrich his plays and create deeper meanings. Here are some notable motif examples in his works:

Blood in Macbeth — Blood symbolizes guilt and the consequences of violent actions. It appears throughout the play, reminding the audience of the terrible deeds committed by Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
Light and darkness in Romeo and Juliet — These motifs represent the contrast between love and hate. Romeo and Juliet's love is often described in terms of light, while the feud between their families is associated with darkness and death.
Time in Hamlet — The motif of time serves to emphasize the inevitability of death and the importance of taking action. Hamlet often reflects on the passage of time and how it affects his quest for revenge.

By incorporating these motif examples into your own writing, you can add depth and complexity to your characters and themes, making your work more engaging for readers.

2. Jane Austen's Irony

Jane Austen was well-known for her use of irony in her novels, which often highlighted the societal norms and expectations of her time. Here are some motif examples from her works:

First impressions in Pride and Prejudice — The novel explores the idea that first impressions can be misleading, as demonstrated by Elizabeth Bennet's initial dislike for Mr. Darcy and her mistaken belief in Mr. Wickham's charm.
Miscommunication in Emma — The motif of miscommunication is used to create humor and tension in the story, as characters often misunderstand each other's intentions. Emma's misguided matchmaking attempts serve as a prime example of this motif.
Social status in Northanger Abbey — The importance of social status is a recurring motif in the novel, as Catherine Morland navigates the complex world of high society. Austen uses irony to critique the superficiality and hypocrisy of those who judge others based on their social standing.

By borrowing these motif examples from Jane Austen, you can add a touch of wit and irony to your writing, while also providing insightful commentary on societal norms and expectations. This will not only entertain your readers but also encourage them to think more critically about the world around them.

3. F. Scott Fitzgerald's Color Imagery

F. Scott Fitzgerald was a master of using color imagery to convey emotion, set the tone, and provide deeper meaning in his works. Here are some motif examples from The Great Gatsby that showcase this technique:

Green — The green light at the end of Daisy's dock symbolizes Gatsby's dreams and desires, particularly his longing for Daisy. It represents hope, envy, and the idea of the unattainable.
Yellow — Yellow is used to represent the corrupting influence of wealth and materialism. For instance, the yellow car that kills Myrtle is a symbol of the moral decay within the "golden" world of the wealthy.
White — White is often associated with purity and innocence, but in the novel, it also represents the superficial facade of the characters. Daisy and Jordan, who wear white clothes, appear innocent, but their true nature is revealed to be shallow and careless.

By incorporating color imagery like F. Scott Fitzgerald, you can create vivid descriptions and imbue your writing with deeper meaning. This will not only engage your readers but also help them better understand the themes and emotions you wish to convey.

4. Nature in Emily Dickinson's Poetry

Emily Dickinson, a celebrated American poet, is known for her unique use of nature motifs to express complex emotions and ideas. Her poems often capture the beauty and mystery of the natural world, and she uses nature as a metaphor to explore themes like life, death, and spirituality. Here are a few motif examples from her poetry:

Flowers — In many of Dickinson's poems, flowers represent beauty, growth, and the fleeting nature of life. For example, in "I hide myself within my flower," the speaker compares herself to a closed flower, hiding her inner emotions from the world.
Birds — Birds often symbolize freedom, hope, and the spirit in Dickinson's poetry. In "Hope is the thing with feathers," hope is personified as a bird that perches in the soul, singing its tune without the need for words.
Bees — Bees appear in several of Dickinson's poems, representing hard work, diligence, and the interconnectedness of nature. In "The pedigree of honey / Does not concern the bee," she emphasizes that bees are uninterested in the origins of their honey, focusing instead on the task at hand.

By using nature motifs like Emily Dickinson, you can create vivid, evocative imagery in your writing and explore deeper themes in a relatable way. This will help you establish a strong connection with your readers and leave a lasting impression.

5. The Heroic Quest in J.R.R. Tolkien's Works

J.R.R. Tolkien, the brilliant author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, masterfully weaves the motif of the heroic quest throughout his works. This motif is a common literary theme in which a character embarks on an adventurous journey and overcomes obstacles to achieve a great goal. Let's look at some specific examples from Tolkien's writings:

Bilbo Baggins' journey in The Hobbit — Bilbo, a small and unassuming hobbit, leaves his comfortable life in the Shire to join a group of dwarves on a dangerous quest to reclaim their stolen treasure from the fearsome dragon, Smaug.
Frodo's quest in The Lord of the Rings — Frodo, another hobbit, accepts the daunting task of destroying the One Ring, a powerful artifact that threatens the entire world. Along the way, he faces countless challenges and discovers inner strength he never knew he had.
Aragorn's path to kingship — In The Lord of the Rings, Aragorn is revealed to be the rightful heir to the throne of Gondor. He must prove himself as a leader and warrior, uniting the people to fight the forces of darkness.

By incorporating the heroic quest motif in your writing, you can create a captivating narrative that keeps readers engaged and invested in your characters' journeys. This powerful storytelling device can help you explore themes of courage, self-discovery, and the triumph of good over evil.

6. George Orwell's Political Satire

George Orwell, the acclaimed author of Animal Farm and 1984, is known for his skillful use of political satire as a motif in his works. Political satire is a literary device that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize and expose the flaws and absurdities of political systems, leaders, or policies. Let's explore some notable examples from Orwell's novels:

Animal Farm as an allegory for the Russian Revolution — Orwell uses a group of farm animals to represent key figures and events from the Russian Revolution and the rise of Soviet communism. The animals' initial dream of equality and cooperation devolves into tyranny under the rule of the pigs, particularly Napoleon, a character who symbolizes Joseph Stalin.
1984's depiction of totalitarianism — In this dystopian novel, Orwell paints a chilling picture of a society controlled by a totalitarian government that manipulates language, history, and even people's thoughts to maintain power. The novel's protagonist, Winston Smith, rebels against this oppressive system, but his efforts are ultimately futile, highlighting the devastating consequences of unchecked political power.

Using political satire as a motif in your writing can allow you to make thought-provoking commentary on current or historical events, challenge the status quo, and encourage readers to question the world around them. This powerful literary tool can help you create compelling stories that resonate with readers and spark meaningful discussions.

7. Greek Mythology in Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson Series

One of the most captivating aspects of Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series is the integration of Greek mythology into a modern-day setting. By using Greek mythology as a motif, Riordan creates a fascinating world where ancient gods and mythical creatures coexist with contemporary society. Let's examine some ways in which Greek mythology comes to life in Riordan's novels:

Percy Jackson's divine parentage — The protagonist, Percy, discovers that he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. This revelation sets the stage for Percy's adventures as he navigates the challenges of both the human and divine worlds.
Mythical creatures and monsters — Throughout the series, Percy and his friends encounter a variety of legendary creatures, such as centaurs, Medusa, and the Minotaur. These encounters bring the excitement and danger of Greek myths into the narrative, creating thrilling action sequences for readers.
Modernized gods and goddesses — The Greek deities in Riordan's series adapt to the modern world in intriguing ways. For example, Dionysus, the god of wine, runs a summer camp for demigods, while Hermes, the messenger god, doubles as a delivery service. These creative reinterpretations of the gods make them more relatable and engaging to readers.

Incorporating Greek mythology as a motif in your writing can add a layer of depth and intrigue to your story, allowing you to explore timeless themes and create a captivating world for your readers to explore. By drawing on these ancient tales, you can craft a unique narrative that blends history, fantasy, and adventure.

8. The Power of Love in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter Series

In J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, the power of love is a recurring motif that plays a significant role in the characters' lives and the development of the story. Love, in its various forms, shapes the narrative and influences the decisions and actions of the characters. Here are some ways the motif of love is expressed in the series:

Harry's protection through his mother's love — Lily Potter's sacrificial love for her son, Harry, protected him from the killing curse cast by Voldemort. This act of love left a lasting impact on Harry, both literally and figuratively, as it saved his life and left him with his famous lightning bolt scar.
Friendship and loyalty — The strong bonds of friendship between Harry, Ron, and Hermione form the foundation of their journey together. Their unwavering loyalty and love for one another help them overcome countless challenges and obstacles throughout the series.
Family love — The Weasley family provides a loving and supportive environment for their children and serves as a surrogate family for Harry. Their love and acceptance demonstrate the importance of family and the power it has to uplift and empower individuals.
Love's transformative power — The power of love is shown to have a profound effect on the characters, often leading to personal growth and positive change. For example, Snape's love for Lily Potter motivates him to protect and guide Harry, despite his disdain for the boy.

By incorporating the motif of love in your writing, you can create relatable and emotionally resonant stories that resonate with readers. Love is a universal theme that can drive characters to make sacrifices, forge lasting bonds, and ultimately triumph over adversity.

9. Magical Realism in Gabriel García Márquez's Works

Magical realism is a literary genre that combines elements of the fantastic with the mundane, creating a world where magical occurrences are treated as everyday events. This technique is prevalent in the works of Colombian author Gabriel García Márquez, whose stories blend the extraordinary with the ordinary in an enchanting and thought-provoking way. Below are some motif examples from his works that showcase the use of magical realism:

One Hundred Years of Solitude — In this classic novel, the town of Macondo comes to life with a series of magical events, such as the rain of yellow flowers, the levitating Remedios, and the prophetic manuscript written in a mysterious language. These fantastical elements are interwoven with the everyday lives of the Buendía family, creating a rich tapestry of magical realism.
Love in the Time of Cholera — In this love story, the seemingly ordinary lives of Florentino Ariza and Fermina Daza are punctuated by moments of magic and wonder. The persistence of Florentino's love for Fermina, spanning over fifty years and countless other relationships, adds a touch of enchantment to this tale of romance and heartbreak.
A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings — This short story tells the tale of an old man with wings who is discovered in a small village. Despite his extraordinary appearance, the villagers treat the winged man as a common occurrence, showcasing the unique blend of the magical and the mundane that defines magical realism.

By incorporating magical realism into your writing, you can create captivating stories that challenge the reader's perception of reality and invite them to explore the boundaries between the ordinary and the extraordinary. This narrative technique can add depth and complexity to your stories, making them memorable and engaging for readers of all ages.

10. Coming of Age in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird

Coming of age is a classic literary motif that highlights the growth and development of a character as they experience the world around them. Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, is a prime example of how this motif can be used effectively to create a compelling narrative. The story follows the young protagonist, Scout Finch, as she learns about the complexities of human nature and the importance of empathy during a turbulent time in her small Southern town. Here are some motif examples that showcase the coming of age theme in the novel:

Scout's evolving understanding of her father, Atticus Finch — Throughout the novel, Scout's perception of her father shifts from a figure of authority to a compassionate and morally grounded individual who stands firm against the prejudices of society. This transformation allows Scout to appreciate the true essence of courage and integrity.
Boo Radley's role in the story — Initially, Scout and her brother Jem view Boo Radley as a mysterious and frightening figure. However, as the story unfolds, they discover that Boo is not the monster they believed him to be, and he ultimately becomes a symbol of kindness and protection. This revelation teaches Scout and Jem the importance of understanding and accepting others despite their differences.
The trial of Tom Robinson — The trial and subsequent conviction of Tom Robinson, an innocent black man accused of assaulting a white woman, forces Scout to confront the harsh realities of racism and injustice in her community. Through her experiences, Scout learns the importance of standing up for what's right, even when it's unpopular or dangerous.

By incorporating the coming of age motif into your writing, you can create relatable and engaging stories that resonate with readers on a personal level. This theme allows you to explore the intricacies of human growth and development, making your stories impactful and thought-provoking.

If you found this blog insightful and would like to dive deeper into the topic, check out the workshop 'Navigating Life - Part V' by Rabih Salloum. This workshop will provide you with valuable insights and guidance on how to better navigate various aspects of your life and continue your journey towards self-discovery and growth.