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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 Thousand Splendid Suns
Part I: Chapter 2
Explanation and Analysis—Mariam, the Weed:
Throughout A Thousand Splendid Suns, Mariam often compares herself—or is compared by other people—to a weed. The first instance of this motif occurs in Chapter 2, initiated by Nana:
"To Jalil and his wives, I was a pokeroot. A mugwort. You too. And you weren't even born yet."
"What's a mugwort?" Mariam asked
"A weed," Nana said. "Something you rip out and toss aside."
Related Themes:
Part III: Chapter 39
Explanation and Analysis—Mariam as Laila's Mother:
Over the course of A Thousand Splendid Suns, Mariam and Laila gradually become more intimate, forming a close relationship akin to that of a mother and daughter. Mariam's motherly behavior towards Laila emerges as a motif in the novel, characterizing much of her interaction with the other woman. Note the following passage from Chapter 39, in which Mariam advocates for a belabored Laila at the hospital:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Mariam waded in. She dug in her heels and burrowed against the elbows, hips, and shoulder blades of strangers. [...] To propel herself forward, Mariam clawed at necks, at arms and elbows, at hair, and, when a woman nearby hissed, Mariam hissed back. Mariam saw now the sacrifices a mother made. Decency was but one. [...]
"My daughter's water broke and the baby won't come," Mariam called.
Related Themes:
Part III: Chapter 46
Explanation and Analysis—Mariam as Laila's Mother:
Over the course of A Thousand Splendid Suns, Mariam and Laila gradually become more intimate, forming a close relationship akin to that of a mother and daughter. Mariam's motherly behavior towards Laila emerges as a motif in the novel, characterizing much of her interaction with the other woman. Note the following passage from Chapter 39, in which Mariam advocates for a belabored Laila at the hospital:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Mariam waded in. She dug in her heels and burrowed against the elbows, hips, and shoulder blades of strangers. [...] To propel herself forward, Mariam clawed at necks, at arms and elbows, at hair, and, when a woman nearby hissed, Mariam hissed back. Mariam saw now the sacrifices a mother made. Decency was but one. [...]
"My daughter's water broke and the baby won't come," Mariam called.
Related Themes:
Part III: Chapter 47
Explanation and Analysis—Mariam, the Weed:
Throughout A Thousand Splendid Suns, Mariam often compares herself—or is compared by other people—to a weed. The first instance of this motif occurs in Chapter 2, initiated by Nana:
Unlock with LitCharts A+"To Jalil and his wives, I was a pokeroot. A mugwort. You too. And you weren't even born yet."
"What's a mugwort?" Mariam asked
"A weed," Nana said. "Something you rip out and toss aside."
Related Themes:
