Symbolism, Motif, and Theme

Symbolism, Motifs & Dramatic Irony

​Symbolism

​Symbolism refers to the use of symbols, which are objects, images, or actions that represent abstract ideas, concepts, or emotions.

It can help to evoke emotions, create a sense of atmosphere or mood, and add layers of complexity to a work.

​Symbolism

​What is being symbolized here from the film Robocop?

Godzilla might seem silly, but it symbolized Japanese fear and trauma of nuclear weapons which were dropped on and near Japan both during and after the war.

​Motifs

In the movie Blade Runner, eyes are symbolized as representing a soul: while the human characters have normal eyes that show their connection to the soul and their humanity, the replicants have glowing eyes which symbolizes their lack of humanity. Eyes in the film are therefore a motif as they are seen throughout the film.

A motif is a recurring symbol, image, or theme that helps to develop the story's meaning and create a sense of unity throughout the text.

A motif is like a repeated pattern in a piece of music or a recurring design in a piece of artwork. It's something that appears multiple times and helps to tie everything together.

​"Books! And cleverness! There are more important things – friendship and bravery"

Dramatic Irony

Dramatic Irony is when the audience is aware of something that a character in the story is not aware of.

It can be used to create humour OR a sense of foreboding.

Multiple Choice

What technique is being used here?

• Dramatic irony

  (foreboding)

• Dramatic irony

  (humour)

• Symbolism

• Motif

Multiple Choice

What technique is being used here?

• Dramatic irony

  (foreboding)

• Dramatic irony

  (humour)

• Symbolism

• Motif

Multiple Choice

What technique is being used here?

• Dramatic irony

  (foreboding)

• Dramatic irony

  (humour)

• Symbolism

• Motif

Multiple Choice

What technique is being used here?

• Dramatic irony

  (foreboding)

• Dramatic irony

  (humour)

• Symbolism

• Motif

Multiple Choice

What technique is being used here?

• Dramatic irony

  (foreboding)

• Dramatic irony

  (humour)

• Symbolism

• Motif

Multiple Choice

What technique is being used here?

• Dramatic irony

  (foreboding)

• Dramatic irony

  (humour)

• Symbolism

• Motif

Multiple Choice

What technique is being used here?

• Dramatic irony

  (foreboding)

• Dramatic irony

  (humour)

• Symbolism

• Motif

Multiple Choice

What technique is this an example of?

(Gryffindor always winning the house cup the final moment)

• Dramatic irony

  (foreboding)

• Dramatic irony

  (humour)

• Symbolism

• Motif

Multiple Choice

What technique is being used here?

• Dramatic irony

  (foreboding)

• Dramatic irony

  (humour)

• Symbolism

• Motif

Multiple Choice

What technique is being used here with the yellow brick road?

• Dramatic irony

  (foreboding)

• Dramatic irony

  (humour)

• Symbolism

• Motif

Fill in the Blank

We the audience know that the 'The Proposal' isn't real, so it's funny to watch this fake couple pretend to be a real couple. It's a good example of ________ _____.

Multiple Choice

What technique is being used here?

• Dramatic irony

  (foreboding)

• Dramatic irony

  (humour)

• Symbolism

• Motif

Fill in the Blank

In this image, the American Statue of Liberty is seen weeping. This image is employing the technique of _________ .

Fill in the Blank

In the Film 'Blade Runner', the recurring use of eyes in the film served as a _____ to help develop the story.

Multiple Choice

Is this an example of dramatic irony?

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

Is this an example of symbolism?

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

Are the life tattoos from Jumanji

an example of motif?

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

Is this an example of dramatic irony?

• Yes

• No