What is the difference between Motifs and Symbols?

Symbols and motifs are literally devices commonly used by authors and artists in general. A symbol refers to objects, ideas, word, picture, or sound that is used to represent something.

It is basically used to prove something. Bear in mind that a symbol can become a motif. If a symbol is used repeatedly at several intervals in the literal work, it can be termed as a motif.

If it is used once within the literal work, it is unlikely to be a motif. Motifs, on the other hand, refer to an object, act, phrase, or sound used to make a theme. A motif often reoccurs and can be dominant throughout a literature work to make meaning.

Symbols and motifs are concepts that are frequent in literary works. Symbolization is something that is easy to decipher in practice. Within the context of literature, a character inside a novel is compared with something or someone else through symbolism. A symbol is an object or thing used to compare something with another item, even if there is no similarity between the two.

A symbol is not overused, and one sees it is used one or two times only in a literary work. A motif is a repeating concept in a work of literature that supports a theme. A motif is not only a word, and it may even be an image or sound that helps in developing the theme of the work. The symbol is used once or twice, while the motif is repetitive to the reader.