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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
Section 1
Explanation and Analysis—Miss Emily as "Fallen":
Throughout the story, the townspeople characterize Miss Emily as “fallen.” This recurring idea forms a motif, although the idea of being "fallen" has different connotations as the story develops. The first instance is at her funeral:
When Miss Emily Grierson died, our whole town went to her funeral: the men through a sort of respectful affection for a fallen monument, the women mostly out of curiosity to see the inside of her house, which no one save an old man-servant—a combined gardener and cook—had seen in at least ten years.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Dust:
In "A Rose for Emily," Faulkner uses the motif of dust to showcase how the past is often forgotten and obscured. When the Board of Aldermen enter Miss Emily's house, they are greeted by a dusty atmosphere:
Unlock with LitCharts A+It smelled of dust and disuse—a close, dank smell. The Negro led them into the parlor. It was furnished with heavy, leather-covered furniture. When the Negro opened the blinds of one window, they could see that the leather was cracked; and when they sat down, a faint dust rose sluggishly about their thighs, spinning with slow motes in the single sun-ray.
Related Themes:
Section 4
Explanation and Analysis—Respect vs. Disgrace:
The motif of respect and disgrace highlights the double standards Miss Emily is held to. Because of her family name, which held a lot of respect and weight in the past, Miss Emily is at times put on a pedestal. Miss Emily's taxes are even remitted because of how influential her father was. At the same time, Miss Emily is often pitied and criticized, calling into question how genuinely she is respected. For instance, there is disapproval expressed towards Miss Emily when she starts a relationship with Homer Barron, a Northerner and a laborer:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Then some of the ladies began to say that it was a disgrace to the town and a bad example to the young people. The men did not want to interfere, but at last the ladies forced the Baptist minister—Miss Emily's people were Episcopal—to call upon her.
Related Themes:
Section 5
Explanation and Analysis—Respect vs. Disgrace:
The motif of respect and disgrace highlights the double standards Miss Emily is held to. Because of her family name, which held a lot of respect and weight in the past, Miss Emily is at times put on a pedestal. Miss Emily's taxes are even remitted because of how influential her father was. At the same time, Miss Emily is often pitied and criticized, calling into question how genuinely she is respected. For instance, there is disapproval expressed towards Miss Emily when she starts a relationship with Homer Barron, a Northerner and a laborer:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Then some of the ladies began to say that it was a disgrace to the town and a bad example to the young people. The men did not want to interfere, but at last the ladies forced the Baptist minister—Miss Emily's people were Episcopal—to call upon her.
Related Themes:
