1. Symbolism, Motifs, Extended Metaphors

Symbolism

What is it?
A symbol to represent something beyond the literal meaning.

Example:

White symbolises purity, a dove symbolises freedom, an apple symbolises wisdom (Biblical allusion)

Motif

What is it?

A motif is any central recurring element that has symbolic significance in a story. 

It recurs frequently throughout a story and highlights at least one of the story’s central themes. 

Example:
rose = love
Different states of the rose (fresh, dry, petals falling) can be pictured throughout the composition to signify changing emotions or relationships

Extended Metaphor

What is it?

Draw a larger comparison between two things. E.g. cross roads and life

It is used to explain abstract concepts in vivid and memorable terms that readers can relate and can span an entire story or poem.

All metaphors can be broken down into two elements: a tenor and a vehicle.

• The tenor is the thing a metaphor describes.
• The vehicle is the thing to which the tenor is compared.

Examples:  

“The Road Not Taken” By Robert Frost

“Two roads diverged in a yellow wood …

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.”

Tenor: Life experiences 

Vehicle: Travelling – road less traveled as a metaphor for leading an unconventional way of life gives greater rewards in life.