MACBETHThemes, motifs and symbolism in

Theme

Theme is the universal idea that is explored in any given work. A universal idea is one that is known in all cultures. Some examples are corruption, compassion, fear, victory, conflict,

ambition, pride, etc.

Theme…

There are recurring themes throughout all literature in all cultures, making them universal. No matter where we go or what we may read, there is a theme in the story, a lesson to be learned, some wisdom to be gleaned.

For example, the themes in Romeo & Juliet are love and passion and how love can promote violence or division.

Motif

Motif is different from theme because they help to support the theme. They are recurring structures, contrasts or literary devices that help support, explain and develop the text’s theme.

For instance, the motifs in Romeo & Juliet are light & dark and opposite points of view.

Symbol

You learned a long time ago that a symbol is something that usually represents something else. More specifically, symbols are people, objects, figures, or colors that represent abstract ideas. For example, a red rose usually symbolizes love, a white rose, purity.

Likewise, as in Hamlet, rosemary represents remembrance, as Ophelia declared.

Your mission:

As you read through both Sir Gawain & the Green Knight and Macbeth, make note of the themes, motifs, symbols so you can evaluate, compare and contrast the two stories.