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Glossary

Motif: GCSE English Definition

Nick Redgrove

Written by: Nick Redgrove

Reviewed by: Deb Orrock

Published

Last updated

Contents

  1. 1. What is a motif?
  2. 2. Why do writers use motifs?
  3. 3. Example of a motif
  4. 4. Revision resources to ace your exams

What is a motif?

In GCSE English Literature and GCSE English Language, a motif is a recurring image, symbol, or idea that appears throughout a text. Motifs help to reinforce themes and contribute to the overall meaning of the text.

Why do writers use motifs?

Writers use motifs to emphasise important themes and to guide the reader’s interpretation of a text. Motifs can also foreshadow events or highlight character development.

Example of a motif

A powerful motif in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is that of light and darkness:

"The darkness and the mist had vanished with it, for it was a bright, clear jet of light."

Throughout the novella, light is frequently associated with knowledge, redemption and warmth, while darkness represents ignorance and cold-heartedness. The Ghost of Christmas Past, for example, emits a bright light, symbolising enlightenment and self-reflection. This motif reinforces the novel’s key theme of transformation, as Scrooge moves from spiritual darkness to redemption.

Revision resources to ace your exams

Learn how to explore a writer's use of motifs by using our detailed GCSE revision notes.

GCSE English Literature Revision Notes

GCSE English Language Revision Notes

For more literary techniques, check out our list of 127 top literary devices, complete with student-friendly definitions.

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Author
Reviewer
Nick Redgrove

Author: Nick Redgrove

Expertise: English Senior Content Creator

Nick is a graduate of the University of Cambridge and King’s College London. He started his career in journalism and publishing, working as an editor on a political magazine and a number of books, before training as an English teacher. After nearly 10 years working in London schools, where he held leadership positions in English departments and within a Sixth Form, he moved on to become an examiner and education consultant. With more than a decade of experience as a tutor, Nick specialises in English, but has also taught Politics, Classical Civilisation and Religious Studies.

Deb Orrock

Author: Deb Orrock

Expertise: English Content Creator

Deb is a graduate of Lancaster University and The University of Wolverhampton. After some time travelling and a successful career in the travel industry, she re-trained in education, specialising in literacy. She has over 16 years’ experience of working in education, teaching English Literature, English Language, Functional Skills English, ESOL and on Access to HE courses. She has also held curriculum and quality manager roles, and worked with organisations on embedding literacy and numeracy into vocational curriculums. She most recently managed a post-16 English curriculum as well as writing educational content and resources.

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