Comments on: Motifs and Symbols and Themes – Oh My!

By: Julie Glover

Julie Glover — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 18:04:26 +0000

We rarely talk about these, but they're so powerful! Thanks for reminding us. I did use a tobacco pipe to symbolize my main character's father in SHARING HUNTER. The way she treats that pipe says a lot about how she feels about her father, since it's a bit of a stand-in. And I'm totally in for the nerdy motif game. When do you want to play? :)

By: dholcomb1

dholcomb1 — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 19:57:26 +0000

I'm guilty of putting motifs in my stories

denise

By: Debbie Herbert

Debbie Herbert — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 13:31:16 +0000

These devices are what I love about reading a well-written book. Even if I can't consciously tell you the symbols, they effect my reading and understanding. Thanks, Laura!

By: Victoria Marie Lees

Victoria Marie Lees — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 16:25:23 +0000

Clear definitions with examples for writers. This is great! Themes. How about the opposite sides of the lake in The Great Gatsby, old money new money. I write short story. I did have a smiley face stand for a deceased mother. Thanks for sharing this with writers, Laura!

By: karenmcfarland

karenmcfarland — Sun, 26 Jun 2016 22:11:02 +0000

I love Motif, Theme and Symbolism. I pick out the theme first. I feel like it's the foundation to build my story on. Then I'll search for the right symbol to represent the theme along with a strong motif to support the symbol. I want them to intertwine in order to create a strong story. Love this post Laura! I'm going to file this along with your post on Cadence from a year and a half ago. :)

By: Beverly Turner

Beverly Turner — Sun, 26 Jun 2016 01:34:32 +0000

In reply to LauraDrake. I didn't mean I don't have a theme that is running through what I write. I am surprised when a reader notices an additional theme that I have layered in, too, without a conscious effort. I agree that conscious inclusion of a primary theme makes for a stronger work. I think those themes are part of what drives us to write.

By: LauraDrake

LauraDrake — Sat, 25 Jun 2016 23:32:26 +0000

In reply to Holly Robinson. You and I have a lot in common, Holly - except the math thing (in spite of my being a CFO - still hate math). Good point about the hammer. I've read a couple of books that the theme drifts into preaching. Not good. Readers are much smarter than we give them credit for.

By: LauraDrake

LauraDrake — Sat, 25 Jun 2016 23:28:39 +0000

In reply to Beverly Turner. I do love finding out later, Beverly - but I think the book can be stronger if you use it consciously. But as long as it's there, you're golden!

By: Holly Robinson

Holly Robinson — Sat, 25 Jun 2016 21:45:14 +0000

This is a great post, Laura! I used to be terrified trying to explain symbols, motifs, etc. when I was in English classes. That's one of the main reasons I majored in biology and loved math: the answers were either right or wrong, unlike in literature. Now, as a writer, I often find that my subconscious is putting in symbols and motifs in my fiction without me even realizing it--until an alert reader makes a comment and I suddenly "see" what I've done. They definitely serve a purpose. The trick is to use them in a subtle way, so the reader doesn't feel like the author is banging them on the head with a hammer.

By: Beverly Turner

Beverly Turner — Sat, 25 Jun 2016 16:40:56 +0000

Laura...I have had the experience of thinking I knew what theme I was including in my story only to have a friend pick up on an additional theme I didn't consciously put in there. Guess my subconscious wanted to put in its two cents worth!

Thanks for a reminder of how these things can make a story stronger. Great post.