leitmotif \LYTE-moh-teef\
noun 1 : a melodic phrase or figure that accompanies the reappearance of an idea, person, or situation in a music drama; 2 : a dominant recurring theme
EXAMPLES
The overcoming of obstacles and a love of theater are the two leitmotifs of her autobiography.
"'Collaboration' is the author's supporting theme, and he weaves it in throughout his anecdotes and character studies. Approached lazily, this kind of leitmotif would be more irritating than illuminating, but Isaacson fully commits." — James Norton, The Christian Science Monitor, October 13, 2014
The English word leitmotif (or leitmotiv, as it is also spelled) comes from the German Leitmotiv, meaning "leading motive" and formed from leiten ("to lead") and Motiv ("motive"). In its original sense, the word applies to opera music and was first used by writers interpreting the works of composer Richard Wagner, who was famous for associating a melody with a character or important dramatic element. Leitmotif is still commonly used with reference to music and musical drama but is now also used more broadly to refer to any recurring theme in the arts or in everyday life.
Carrie, Shawn. "What everyone gets wrong about violence in Ferguson." The Daily Dot (November 18, 2014)
Fanning, Rory. "Thank You for Your Valor, Thank You for Your Service, Thank You, Thank You, Thank You…: Still on the Thank-You Tour-of-Duty Circuit, 13 Years Later." TomDispatch (October 26, 2014)
Media: Peace and Conflict Studies Archive
Davidson, Alex. "Derek Jarman: five essential films. BFI (February 6, 2014)
Hart, Peter. "No Debate: Antiwar Voices Absent from Corporate TV News Ahead of U.S. Attacks on Iraq & Syria." Democracy Now (November 18, 2014)
Ryan, Bill. "As if the Stars Would Wink Out One by One to Hear it Spoken, or The Five Nosferatus." The Kind of Face You Hate (October 30, 2014)
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