LEARNING PLAN IN ART APPRECIATION

MOTIFS AND SYMBOLS

JAY PASCUA (1ST YEAR BSIT)

1. Explain the understanding of motifs and symbols.

My understanding about symbols are for me it represents meaning, idea, or to understand a
certain thing or object. In fact our names are symbols that represent us as individuals, while
motifs for me is all about phrases or words which can help us to understand literary work. It is
closely related to a theme or a symbol and uses different narrative elements. However, symbols
and motifs are not synonyms they are just similar literary terms.
2. Differentiate the motif and symbol using Venn Diagram.

MOTIF SYMBOL

Motifs are images, Symbols are

ideas, sounds, or words images, ideas,
that help to explain the -literary devices that sounds or
central idea of literary authors have used
work. Words that represents
throughout the centuries. something else, and help
-it is a detail that is repeated in a
pattern of meaning that can to understand and idea or
-used in all artistic
produce a theme while -creating media: painters, a thing.
other aspects at the same time. sculptors, playwrights,
and musicians all use
-can be repeated once
Motif is a recurring element-such or twice.
motifs and use
as phrase, situation, or concept
symbols in the most All symbolism is
that appears multiple times
advanced forms of united by the concept
Throughout a work of respective artforms. of a word or object
literature. representing
Beyond its literal
meaning.

3. Give the classification of motifs and the different types of symbols and summarized each.
Classification of motif
 Plant motif- plant motifs and patterns were used to decorate architecture and objects
from the earliest Islamic period. Plants appear in many different forms in Islamic art,
ranging from single motifs to extended patterns, and natural depictions of flowers to
plant forms which are complicated and heavily stylized.
  Floral motif (flower)- there is no specific botanical features, it is a generic flower, not a
specific one.
 Traditional motif- traditional motifs are repeated, the individual touch is used in the
variety of stitches, colors, and shapes.
 Geometrical motif- a motif pattern, or design depicting abstract, nonrepresentational
shapes such as lines, circles, ellipse, triangles, rectangles, and polygons.
 Abstract motif- abstract art is typically concerned with the production of various
geometric shapes. And the size and character of these shapes, their relationship to each
other, as well as the colours used throughout the work, become the defining motifs of
abstraction.

Different types of symbols

 Symbolic Colors- symbolism is often found in colors.

 Symbolic Objects- everyday objects are often used to symbolize something else.
 Flowers as symbol- even flowers possess symbolism
 Animals as symbols- when we read a book or enjoy a poem, any animals added to the
story can convey a message or work as part of the theme.
 Weather as symbols- also in works of literature, a writer might spend a moment
describing the weather in a particular scene.
 Metaphors as symbolism- a metaphor is a figure of speech that uses symbolism. It
compares two things that aren’t similar and proves that they actually have something in
common.
 Allegory as symbolism- allegory is an extended use of symbolism and metaphors. A
story, a poem, or even a whole book can be an allegory and the symbolism will
permeate throughout.
 Symbolism in art- typically, artist want to say something with their work and symbols
are a great way for them to communicate. In this medium, symbols are often tangible
items, like an animal, object, or plant.
 Symbolism in literature- symbolism is often used by writers to enhanced their writing. It
can give a literary work more richness and color and can make the meaning of the work
deeper.
 Symbolism in poetry- many poets used symbolism to deepen the meaning of their
poems.

Types of symbolism
Symbolism takes on many forms, whether in the literary world or everyday speech.
Knowing the differences between various types of symbolism can help you better
understand symbolism at its core. Here are some of the various types of symbolism:
Metaphor
A metaphor refers to one thing by directly mentioning another. It essentially compares
two dissimilar things while showing that they have something in common. Therefore,
while a metaphor can provide clarity, it can also show the similarities between the two
things or ideas despite their obvious dissimilarities.
Simile
Rather than implying a comparison like a metaphor, a simile explicitly denotes
comparison between two things. Similes often use the word "like" or "as." The two
things you compare with a simile are essentially dissimilar. Unlike metaphors, similes are
much more direct comparisons.
Allegory
An allegory refers to a narrative wherein a character, event or place delivers a larger
message about a real-world concern or occurrence. In other words, it's a story in which
most characters and plot developments are symbols for something else or in which the
story in its entirety symbolizes a larger phenomenon in the real-world or society. Rather
than coming right out and saying it, allegories use characters and events to reveal a
hidden meaning or message. An allegory is essentially an extended use of a metaphor
and symbolism in general.
Archetype
An archetype refers to a story element such as an idea or character-type that reoccurs in
stories and symbolizes something universal. For example, you can create a character
based on certain qualities or traits that make them identifiable to readers. In the literary
world, archetypes refer to characters, images or themes that symbolically embody a
universal meaning or human experience.
Personification
This type of symbolism applies human attributes to something that isn't alive or human.
For example, personification gives human form and sensibilities to various objects such
as a chair, nature, a book or an abstract concept like love or hate. Writers use
personification to help their readers better relate to non-human things or objects.
Hyperbole
Hyperboles use an exaggeration to make a specific point or to add emphasis, whether
for a comic or serious purpose. When used as a figure of speech, you're not meant to
take a hyperbole literally. Like the opposite of an understatement, hyperboles are often
extravagant and often ridiculous overstatements. Not only can a hyperbole catch your
attention, but it can also show a contrast between two things. While many authors use
hyperboles in works of fiction, many people also use hyperboles in everyday speech.
Metonymy
A metonymy substitutes a word with a close association to an entity for the name of the
entity itself. In other words, you refer to a thing by the name of something closely
associated with it. Writers use metonymy to address something more poetically or
uniquely. Metonymy also helps them give a more complex meaning to an otherwise
general or ordinary word.
Irony
Irony refers to a figure of speech wherein the intended meaning opposes the literal
meaning of the words expressed. There are various types of irony including dramatic
and verbal irony. Irony helps engage readers and adds another layer to a fictional tale.
4. Search ad Give at least one picture of the different classification of motifs.

CLASSIFICATION OF MOTIFS

 Plant motifs

 Floral motifs (flower)

 Traditional motifs
  Geometric motif

 Abstract motif

5. Draw any picture using motif. Be sure that different element of design is represented.