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All 10 Flashcards — Symbolism & motif
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Question
What is a symbol?
Answer
An object that stands for a bigger idea — a wilting flower for lost innocence.
Question
What is a motif?
Answer
An image that keeps coming back across a text, building meaning.
Question
How do symbol and motif differ?
Answer
A symbol is what an object means; a motif is an image that recurs.
Question
How do you spot a symbol?
Answer
An ordinary object that clearly points to a bigger idea beyond itself.
Question
How do you spot a motif?
Answer
The same image or object keeps returning through the text.
Question
Why do writers use symbols?
Answer
To carry a theme through an object, without stating it directly.
Question
A caged bird might symbolise…
Answer
A lack of freedom, or feeling trapped.
Question
What does a motif add by repeating?
Answer
It builds and ties a theme together across the whole text.
Question
How do you analyse a symbol?
Answer
Name the object + the bigger idea it stands for + why it fits.
Question
Commonest symbol/motif mistake?
Answer
Spotting the object without saying what it means.
Read the notes
Full study notes for Symbolism & motif
Topic 1.4 hub
Imagery & comparison
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English A Lang & Lit exam skills
Paper structures & tips
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