Analyzing and Interpreting Literature CLEP Prep Practice Exam

What is a motif?

1. The secondary characters in a story.

2. An event that effectively highlights a character’s traits.

3. A repeating word, phrase, or visual clue.

4. A method of narration.

The correct answer is: A repeating word, phrase, or visual clue.

A motif is a recurring element or symbol in a literary work that contributes to the overall theme or message of the text. It is different from the other options because it is not a character, event, or method of narration, but rather a literary device used by the author to convey a deeper meaning. While secondary characters and events can contribute to a character's traits, they are not specifically defined as motifs. Similarly, while narration can be a vehicle for introducing and developing motifs, it is not the same as a motif itself. Therefore, C is the correct answer as it accurately describes the definition of a motif.