Theme vs. Motif How are they differentiated, or are the terms interchangeable?

1. Is there a difference between motif and theme?
2. How is motif related to theme?
3. Are theme and topic interchangeable terms?
4. What is the difference between ideas and themes?

Is there a difference between motif and theme?

A theme is a big-picture idea, and a motif is a recurring symbol.

How is motif related to theme?

A theme is usually defined as a message, statement, or idea, while a motif is simply a detail repeated for larger symbolic meaning. In other words, a narrative motif—a detail repeated in a pattern of meaning—can produce a theme; but it can also create other narrative aspects.

Are theme and topic interchangeable terms?

Writers often confuse the terms “topic” and “theme” and, as a result, use them interchangeably. The truth is, topic and theme are not the same.

What is the difference between ideas and themes?

Main Idea Vs. Theme. The main idea is what the book is mostly about. The theme is the message, lesson, or moral of a book.