Symbolism and Motif

What is a symbol?

• A symbol, action, idea, or collection of related items that appears multiple times in a work to help develop the theme

• A physical object or thing that stands for a larger abstract concept

• A universal statement, expressed or implied, that the reader must infer.

• A moment in a book that represents a larger context or idea

What is a motif?

• A symbol, action, idea, or collection of related items that appears multiple times in a work to help develop the theme

• A physical object or thing that stands for a larger abstract concept

• A universal statement, expressed or implied, that the reader must infer.

• A moment in a book that represents a larger context or idea

What is a theme?

• A symbol, action, idea, or collection of related items that appears multiple times in a work to help develop the theme

• A physical object or thing that stands for a larger abstract concept

• A universal statement, expressed or implied, that the reader must infer.

• A moment in a book that represents a larger context or idea

Which of the following are symbols in

Macbeth?

• The dagger

• The ghost of Banquo

• Blood

• Guilt

• The witches

Which of the following are motifs in

Macbeth?

• The Dagger

• The Ghost of Banquo

• Blood

• Guilt

• Fate

What must a theme statement include?

• A topic from the story

• A motif

• The author's view on the topic

• The symbols that relate