The terms symbol, metaphor and motif are used often in English and are related and often confused. But each has a very important function.
Metaphor: A metaphor is a comparison between one object and another where one is identified with the qualities of another. For example: "He was a bear of a man." Here the metaphor is clear. Something about the man represents the elements that are common knowledge in a bear like strength, great fury when cornered, largeness.
Symbols: Symbols are objects that are real on the surface but have hidden meanings and implications inside. For example: "The bear sniffed once, and walked away." The bear could symbolize a characters disregard for things around him.
Motif: A motif is a reoccurring symbol which takes on a figurative (not literal) meaning through out an entire piece of work whether it is a movie, a short story, novel, or poem. For example: "The author constantly uses bears on the outside of town in the novel as a motif representing mankind's disconnection with nature." |