definition of motif.

Motifs are the recurring structures, contrasts, or literary devices that can help to develop and inform the piece’s major themes. It can be an idea, object, place or statement. An example could be the "rules" in fight club. They are constantly being mentioned and are a main theme and point in the book. It allows the reader to understand how things work in fight club. It is like a secret, silent code but everyone who is in fight club understands and lives by it.