Molotsky

Research Paper: Introduction to Motifs

Advanced English 12

Your job is to choose a motif and research it.  Answer the following questions and do the following in a 5-7 page research paper (it can be longer if you want, but not shorter):

Below is a short list of common literary motifs.  This does not even remotely cover the literary motifs that are out there.  Use this list as a guide only, if you would like to use a motif on this list, by all means go ahead, but feel free to venture out on your own.

Part I

1.    Describe, define and explain the origins, and its history in literature.  Trace the motif’s history, explain its origin and development over time by using three early examples of it from the Bible (or other religious wok), early folklore from any culture (Asian, African, and Middle Eastern seem to be the best), or Greek and Roman mythology.

The following book sources are a great place to begin your search for definitions:

R 133.03 MAN           Man, Myth & Magic: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Mythology, Religion, and the Unknown

302.2 BRU                  The Illustrated Book of Signs & Symbols

R 803.21 QUI             A Dictionary of Literary and Thematic Terms

808.8 MYT                  Myths and Motifs in Literature

R 809.933 DIC            Dictionary of Literary Themes and Motifs

**When looking for early examples conduct a Power Search for your motif in the OPAC or browse the stacks in the following sections.  Remember to use the Index and Table of Contents of each book.

Bible/ Religious Stories: 220s

Mythology: 200s & 290s

Folklore & Fairy Tales: 390s

Internet Sources

Bible Gateway   Online Bible searchable by keyword, phrases, or scripture reference.

Bulfinch's Mythology  Electronic and searchable version of Bulfinch's Mythology-

 The Age of Fable

The Catholic Encyclopedia  More than 11,000 articles on Catholic topics

Encyclopedia Mythica   Internet encyclopedia of mythology, folklore, and religion.

Folklore and Mythology Electronic Texts  Contains a list of electronic text organized by theme.

Stories, Folklore, and Fairy Tale Theme Page  Contains list of links related to the study of stories, folklore, and fairy tales that were compiled by the Community Learning Network. 

Part II

2.     Trace the motif through at least two novels we have or will read in class and at least three other sources.  Other sources must include at least one other novel (novel does not have to be British literature, but must be age and content appropriate-check novel with me), and two other sources including but not limited to another novel, poetry, film, art (you may not duplicate this source, i.e. two films, two pieces of art, etc.).

            Online Databases-- Use the following databases to search for critical essays.

            Learning Literature (for access from school: no user ID or Password required)

            Literature Resource Center from Thomson/Gale

            MagillonLiterature Plus from Ebsco

Locating 3 other sources:

            Contemporary Novel             Novelist from Ebsco

            Art                                        Grove's Art Online from Oxford Reference

                                                            **Click Images then Art Resource to search

            Film                                       International Movie Database

Trace the motif development through the work and explain to what end it has been used.  Answer the following questions: What is the purpose of the motif in each of the works? Why is attention being called to this idea or image? What implications are getting attached to it? Why are these notions important in this work overall - and in this specific situation in particular?

MLA Guide