Write Motif: A Technique for Memoir Writing

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Write Motif: A Device for Memoir Writing

Memoirs weave memory, emotion, and insight. To enrich the tapestry of our memoir, we can master various literary devices, one of which is the motif. Used intentionally, the write motif offers continuity and depth, echoing themes and ideas throughout our memoir. But how do we deploy the write motif in our memoir?

1. Defining the Write Motif

A write motif is a recurring element—an image, idea, or symbol—that underscores the themes of our work. It can serve as a thread tying our narrative together. To establish the motif, we can start with the central theme and emotion of the memoir.

In Jeannette Walls’ The Glass Castle,[1] fire is a recurring motif symbolizing both destruction and resilience. From the narrator's early childhood memories of accidentally setting herself on fire to the metaphorical fires in her tumultuous family life, Walls uses this motif to highlight the themes of survival and chaos.

2. Introducing the Motif

We should introduce the write motif early in our memoir and set the stage for its recurrence. This motif should naturally become part of our story’s unfolding.

In Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,[2] the caged bird itself is introduced early as a metaphorical motif representing the constraints of racism and oppression. This image reappears throughout the memoir organically, framing Angelou’s struggles and triumphs as she seeks freedom and self-expression.

3. Layering the Motif

Every reappearance of the motif must bring a fresh perspective, a deeper layer of meaning, or an unexpected connection.

In Cheryl Strayed’s Wild,[3] her hiking boots become a motif for perseverance and pain. When one boot falls off a cliff early in the story, it represents her lack of preparation and the hardships ahead. Later, as she replaces them and continues her journey, the boots symbolize her growing strength and resilience.

4. Understating the Motif

From the master storytellers, a well-executed write motif is never heavy-handed. It flows naturally; we can sense its presence without feeling overwhelmed.

Tara Westover’s Educated[4] features the mountain as a subtle motif. Her family’s home, located at the base of a mountain, symbolizes the isolation and danger of her upbringing. The mountain reappears at pivotal moments, reminding us of her roots and the formidable climb required to overcome her circumstances.

5. Linking Motif and Character

Since a memoir is about transformation, our write motif can mirror the journey of growth and change.

In Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love, food becomes a motif that evolves with her emotional state. In Italy, food represents indulgence and pleasure; in India, it’s tied to austerity and spiritual nourishment; in Bali, it becomes a balance of both, reflecting Gilbert’s journey to inner peace.

6. Foreshadowing

As foreshadowing a write motif will hint at future events or revelations. By planting clues early on, we can create anticipation and intrigue.

Frank McCourt’s Angela’s Ashes uses rain as a motif, symbolizing the poverty and despair of his Irish childhood. Early descriptions of rain seeping through the walls of their home foreshadow the hardships that dominate his family’s life, creating an atmosphere of inevitability.

7. Closing with a Write Motif

Closure and symmetry happen when the write motif brings the narrative full circle, leaving a lasting impression.

In Trevor Noah’s Born a Crime, the motif of language is central to his survival and success. From his childhood mastery of multiple South African languages to his career in comedy, language becomes a tool for connection and identity. The memoir concludes with a poignant reflection on the power of words, tying the motif back to the heart of his story.

8. Layering the Write Motif

Layering multiple motifs adds complexity and texture to the narrative. Each motif can represent a different theme, emotion, or aspect of the story.

In Patti Smith’s Just Kids,[5] music and photography serve as dual motifs representing creativity and memory. The guitar and camera appear repeatedly, reflecting her relationship with Robert Mapplethorpe and their shared artistic ambitions. These layered motifs enrich the memoir, making it a tribute to art and friendship.

9. Repeating Excessively

As with everything, nothing works for the best if excessive. Overusing the write motif will override why it's there in the first place. Balance can be achieved through editing ruthlessly to eliminate redundancies.

In André Aciman’s Out of Egypt,[6] the motif of light symbolizes the fading grandeur of his family’s life in Alexandria. Aciman ensures that each mention of light carries weight and significance.

10. Writing the Unique Motif

Finally, let us search for that deeply personal write motif, reflecting our voice and experiences, and marking our unique identity.

In Mary Karr’s The Liars’ Club,[7] the motif of storytelling itself reflects her family’s history of secrets and fabrications. By weaving this motif throughout the memoir, Karr creates a layered narrative that questions the nature of memory and truth.

The Write Motif as the Soul of Memoir

More than a literary device, the write motif is the soul of our memoir. As the motif threads through the pages and leaves an emotional impact, our scattered memories cohere and resonate. Inspired by the memoirs of Walls, Angelou, Strayed, and others, we can strive for this device of the write motif to help us craft a memoir that is a work of art.

[1] The Glass Castle

[2] I know Where the Caged Birds Sing