In literature, what is the difference between theme and motif?

Answer 1

Motif
A motif is a recurring thematic element in an artistic or literary work. It denotes the recurrent presence of certain character types, objects, settings, or situations in diverse genres and periods of folklore and literature. Examples of motifs include swords, money, food, jewels, forests, oceans, castles, tests of skill or wisdom, journeys, separations and reunions, or chaos brought to order. In a more narrow sense, "motif" is also used to describe recurring elements within particular works, such as phrases, descriptions, or patterns of imagery. Importantly, it is a recurrent device, formula, or situation that deliberately connects a work with common patterns of existing thought.

Theme
Theme is the ingredient of a literary work which gives the work unity. The theme provides an answer to the question, "What is the work about?" Unlike plot, which deals with the action of a work, theme concerns itself with a work's message or contains the general idea or insight about life that a writer wishes to express. It may be inferred, BUT it is the dominant idea. All of the elements of literary terms contribute to theme. A theme should always be stated as a sentence.

As you know, and as is reiterated above, theme and motif are similar – yet very different. For example, recurring motifs in Ethan Frome are the elm tree, isolation, and the colors red and white. One of the themes of the book, though, is that society is the enemy of romance. For this project, you will examine the motifs and themes of both The Awakening and Ethan Frome