๐ Topic Summary
Motifs are recurring elements โ images, ideas, sounds, or words โ that help explain a text's central themes. Think of them as breadcrumbs the author leaves for you to follow to a deeper understanding. In short stories, motifs might be more subtle, while in longer works like *The Great Gatsby*, they become powerful tools for reinforcing meaning.
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ฐ๏ธ Vocabulary
- ๐ Motif: A recurring element (image, idea, etc.) that contributes to a theme.
- ๐ญ Theme: The central idea or message of a literary work.
- ๐ Repetition: The recurrence of words, phrases, or images in a text.
- ๐ฎ Symbolism: The use of objects or ideas to represent something else.
- ๐ Allusion: An indirect reference to another work of literature, art, or history.
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ฑ๏ธ Fill in the Blanks
In *The Great Gatsby*, the green light across the bay serves as a potent ______. It represents Gatsby's dream and his longing for ______ . Throughout the novel, this _______ is repeated, reinforcing the unattainable nature of Gatsbyโs desires and the corruption of the American ______.
Possible Answers: Symbol, Daisy, Motif, Dream
ยฉ๏ธ Critical Thinking
How does the motif of weather contribute to the overall mood and themes in *The Great Gatsby*? Provide specific examples from the text to support your answer.