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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 4, Part 2
Explanation and Analysis—Epiphany:
The concept of Joycean epiphany appears at crucial moments in A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. According to Joyce, an epiphany is a visionary moment of understanding. Epiphanies often change the course of his characters' lives, and Stephen is no exception. In Chapter 4, Part 2, music inspires an epiphany about the connection between Stephen's soul and body:
The music passed in an instant, as the first bars of sudden music always did, over the fantastic fabrics of his mind, dissolving them painlessly and noiselessly as a sudden wave dissolves the sandbuilt turrets of children [...]. At once from every part of his being unrest began to irradiate. A feverish quickening of his pulses followed and a din of meaningless words drove his reasoned thoughts hither and thither confusedly. His lungs dilated and sank as if he were inhaling a warm moist unsustaining air [...]
Related Themes:
Chapter 4, Part 3
Explanation and Analysis—Bridges :
Bridges appear as a recurring motif in A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. This motif supports the story's theme of growing up and transitioning or crossing over into new phases of life. When characters cross bridges, they undergo some emotional shift; when they avoid bridges, they seem more sure of themselves. In Chapter 5, Part 1, Stephen and Lynch discuss the meaning of art and seem to deliberately avoid crossing a bridge.
Unlock with LitCharts A+— We are right — he said — and the others are wrong. They had reached the canal bridge and, turning from their course, went on by the trees.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Epiphany:
The concept of Joycean epiphany appears at crucial moments in A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. According to Joyce, an epiphany is a visionary moment of understanding. Epiphanies often change the course of his characters' lives, and Stephen is no exception. In Chapter 4, Part 2, music inspires an epiphany about the connection between Stephen's soul and body:
Unlock with LitCharts A+The music passed in an instant, as the first bars of sudden music always did, over the fantastic fabrics of his mind, dissolving them painlessly and noiselessly as a sudden wave dissolves the sandbuilt turrets of children [...]. At once from every part of his being unrest began to irradiate. A feverish quickening of his pulses followed and a din of meaningless words drove his reasoned thoughts hither and thither confusedly. His lungs dilated and sank as if he were inhaling a warm moist unsustaining air [...]
Related Themes:
Chapter 5, Part 1
Explanation and Analysis—Bridges :
Bridges appear as a recurring motif in A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. This motif supports the story's theme of growing up and transitioning or crossing over into new phases of life. When characters cross bridges, they undergo some emotional shift; when they avoid bridges, they seem more sure of themselves. In Chapter 5, Part 1, Stephen and Lynch discuss the meaning of art and seem to deliberately avoid crossing a bridge.
Unlock with LitCharts A+— We are right — he said — and the others are wrong. They had reached the canal bridge and, turning from their course, went on by the trees.
Related Themes:
Chapter 5, Part 2
Explanation and Analysis—Music:
The motif of music recurs throughout A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. It often symbolizes beauty. Sometimes it serves to remind a character of physical reality. In the context of Stephen's religious devotion in Chapter 5, Part 3, it seems sinful and indulgent:
Unlock with LitCharts A+The soft beauty of the Latin word touched with an enchanting touch the dark of the evening, with a touch fainter and more persuading than the touch of music or of a woman’s hand.
Related Themes:
Chapter 5, Part 3
Explanation and Analysis—Birds:
In A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, birds are often associated with changes, journeys, or gods. This motif also reminds the reader of Stephen's lofty aspirations. In Chapter 5, Part 3, Stephen observes a flock of birds:
Unlock with LitCharts A+They came back with shrill cries over the jutting shoulder of the house, flying darkly against the fading air. What birds were they? He thought that they must be swallows who had come back from the south. Then he was to go away? For they were birds ever going and coming, building ever an unlasting home under the eaves of men’s houses and ever leaving the homes they had built to wander.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Music:
The motif of music recurs throughout A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. It often symbolizes beauty. Sometimes it serves to remind a character of physical reality. In the context of Stephen's religious devotion in Chapter 5, Part 3, it seems sinful and indulgent:
Unlock with LitCharts A+The soft beauty of the Latin word touched with an enchanting touch the dark of the evening, with a touch fainter and more persuading than the touch of music or of a woman’s hand.
Related Themes:
