Final answer:
The first movement of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 is characterized by a prominent four-note motif that is developed throughout the movement, providing a sense of cohesiveness and drama.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the first movement of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5, the four-note motif is heard and developed throughout the entire movement. This motif is one of the most famous in all of classical music, often referred to as the "Fate Motif", and consists of a pattern described as short-short-short-long. It is introduced right at the beginning by the strings and is woven throughout the entire movement in various forms and orchestrations, creating an intense and driving momentum that carries through to the end.