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Definition of Motif
A motif is an element or idea that recurs throughout a work of literature. Motifs, which are often collections of related symbols, help develop the central themes of a book... read full definition
A motif is an element or idea that recurs throughout a work of literature. Motifs, which are often collections of related symbols, help develop the... read full definition
A motif is an element or idea that recurs throughout a work of literature. Motifs, which are often collections of... read full definition
Chapter 2: Miss Stein Instructs
Explanation and Analysis—Inaccrochable:
In Chapter 2, Gertrude Stein criticizes one of Hemingway's stories for its common language. Instead of giving her opinion straightforwardly, however, she uses an abstract simile that becomes a motif in the memoir:
“It’s good,” she said. “That’s not the question at all. But it is inaccrochable. That means it is like a picture that a painter paints and then he cannot hang it when he has a show and nobody will buy it because they cannot hang it either.”
Related Themes:
Chapter 5: A False Spring
Explanation and Analysis—Racing and Betting:
Betting on races (mostly horse races, but also cycling) is a motif in the book. In Chapter 5, Hemingway's summary of his and Hadley's first day at the races foreshadows the end of their marriage:
Unlock with LitCharts A+[W]e had made plenty of money, big money for us, and now we had spring and money too. I thought that was all we needed. A day like that one, if you split the winnings one quarter for each to spend, left a half for racing capital. I kept the racing capital secret and apart from all other capital and there was racing at some track every day.
Related Themes:
Chapter 8: Hunger Was Good Discipline
Explanation and Analysis—War Trauma:
The lasting trauma and solidarity of Hemingway and the "lost generation" of World War I veterans is a motif in the book. Many of the veterans in the book struggle with alcoholism, personal relationships, career success, and the sense that they can only trust or understand one another. None of them know quite how to process their feelings about the terrible things they saw, experienced, and did in the war, especially as they try to get on with their lives. Hemingway repeatedly circles back to war as a metaphor for all of the difficult experiences he goes through.
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Related Themes:
Paris Sketches: The Pilot Fish and the Rich
Explanation and Analysis—War Trauma:
The lasting trauma and solidarity of Hemingway and the "lost generation" of World War I veterans is a motif in the book. Many of the veterans in the book struggle with alcoholism, personal relationships, career success, and the sense that they can only trust or understand one another. None of them know quite how to process their feelings about the terrible things they saw, experienced, and did in the war, especially as they try to get on with their lives. Hemingway repeatedly circles back to war as a metaphor for all of the difficult experiences he goes through.
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Related Themes:
