Motifs are recurring images, symbols, themes, or patterns that help develop the central ideas of a literary work. They serve to reinforce the author's message and create a sense of unity throughout the story.
Related terms
Imagery: Vivid language that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, taste, touch, smell) to create mental pictures in the reader's mind.
Parallelism: The use of similar structures or ideas within a literary work to create balance and emphasize important concepts.
Irony: A literary device where there is a contrast between what is expected or intended and what actually occurs.