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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
Key Examples in A Streetcar Named Desire
Motifs
Explanation and Analysis—Blues Piano and the Polka:
The contrasting musical motifs of Blues music and Blanche’s Varsouviana polka symbolize the clash between the changing America of the mid-20th century and Blanche’s tendency to live in the past. Blues music—as is often the case in literature from this era—is an emblem of America’s increasingly diverse postwar society. Because of the era's many social and political changes, American popular culture started to be strongly influenced by people of color and immigrant communities. Blues music originated from the Black communities of the American South, and it's characterized by its soulful, heart-wrenching honesty and moving lyrics. It's also known for its use of improvisation, and its incorporation of the 12-bar chord progression.
Related Themes:
Motifs
Explanation and Analysis—Artificial Light:
The motif of artificial light appears throughout A Streetcar Named Desire, pointing to the ways people control one another and attempt to conceal things from one another. As in a lot of literature, light in this play represents truth, and shadows symbolize the things that people want to remain concealed. In this context, it’s important to note that most of the light that the audience sees in this play is artificial. Electric light or firelight, created and manipulated by humans, reflects the characters' attempts to control their realities and find things out about one another.
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Related Themes:
Scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—Stanley's Showers:
Stanley cleans himself a lot in A Streetcar Named Desire, but to a very different end than Blanche’s endless, morally purifying bathing. When he first meets Blanche, Stanley immediately removes his sweaty overshirt:
Unlock with LitCharts A+STANLEY: My clothes're stickin' to me. Do you mind if I make myself comfortable? [He starts to remove his shirt.]
Related Themes:
