motif

motif, in literature

motif (mōtēf`), in literature, term that denotes the recurrent presence of certain character types, objects, settings, or situations in diverse genres and periods of folklore and literature. Examples of motifs include swords, money, food, jewels, forests, oceans, castles, dungeons, tests of skill or wisdom, journeys, separations and reunions, chaos brought to order. Motifs are not restricted to literature. Hans von Wolzogen coined the term leitmotiv [Ger.,=guiding motive] to describe Richard Wagner's use of a recurring musical phrase to reinforce the emotional impact of characters, situations, and themes in his operas. The visual arts often rely on motifs to communicate deeper levels of meaning: The bison and deer painted on the walls of the caves at Lascaux represent both threat and survival, superior strength or speed, and food supply; the endlessly rocking cradle in D. W. Griffith's film Intolerance suggests rebirth and the inescapable frailties of the human condition (see symbol; archetype).

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motif, in music

motif, in music: see motive.

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Motif

The graphical user interface (GUI) endorsed by the Open Software Foundation. Motif became the standard graphical interface for Unix workstations. Although it is still used, numerous other graphical interfaces have become more popular (see KDE and GNOME). See Open Group.

The Motif GUI

For several years, Motif was the de facto standard graphical interface in the Unix world. (Screen shot courtesy of The Santa Cruz Operation, Inc.)

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motif

1. a distinctive idea, esp a theme elaborated on in a piece of music, literature, etc.

2. a recurring form or shape in a design or pattern

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Motif - The standard graphical user interface and window manager from OSF, running on the X Window System.