Motifs

Motif. I used to think, "What is the difference between motif and symbols?! Are they no they same thing?!!" Reading To Kill A Mockingbird has really helped me realize the differences. A Motif is a symbol, but is usually more subtle, and can ( and usually will) recur throughout the story. Like a symbol, it has some deeper meaning and helps to aid the overall message that the author wants you to recognize throughout the story. Unlike Symbols, Motifs usually do come up in the story more than once, but usually in different context with different examples.

Symbols are basically motifs. The only real distinction that i have seen between motifs and symbols, is that motifs generally seem more specific, while symbols cover more ground and are more generalized. Yes, they can be very confusing at times,and as much as you may disagree motifs and symbols are different!!!!

Extra Credit Blog (Symbolism)

Tom Robinson:

This picture, to me, is symbolic of Tom, because it shows that even the strongest of people and animals can be wrongly chained up. For the case of Tom Robinson, he can only be set free by his "Senors" (white jurymen). The same goes for this elephant. The only way he can be set free, is if the person who chained it up, decides it can be let go. No matter how much that strong person or animal can try, he cannot break free without the help of their tormentors.

Life Lessons

I know,this quote isn't my grandma's, like I promised, but I chose it because it impacts me much more than my grandma's quote: "You don't need a good foundation under a shithouse." My real quote, has been drilled into me since the beginning of my life. It is from my parents and has really helped me through a lot in my life. They are by far the MOST IMPORTANT words that I have ever heard in my life. They are: "We will always be proud of you, if you always try your hardest."

This makes me not worry about not being good enough for them, EVER. I know that just as long as I try my hardest, whether it be at school, sports, or a job, my parents will be proud of me. This saying also, occasionally comes back to bite me in the butt. Since my parents know my potential, they always hold me to it, and know when i am not trying hard and just slacking off.