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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 1
Explanation and Analysis—It Won't Kill You:
Throughout the novel there are multiple instances of people who are hesitant to shake Willie's hand but do so anyway. The first instance of this motif is early in Chapter 1, in Mason City, when Jack describes how Malaciah, the soda jerk at the drugstore in town, was reluctant to accept Willie's advances:
The Boss started toward him and put out his hand. Old Leather-Face didn't show. Maybe he shuffled one of his broken brogans on the tiles, and his Adam's apple jerked once or twice, and the eyes were watchful out of that face which resembled the seat of an old saddle left out in the weather, but when the Boss got close, his hand came up from the elbow, like it didn't belong to Old Leather-Face but was operating on its own, and the Boss took it.
Related Themes:
Chapter 6
Explanation and Analysis—It Won't Kill You:
Throughout the novel there are multiple instances of people who are hesitant to shake Willie's hand but do so anyway. The first instance of this motif is early in Chapter 1, in Mason City, when Jack describes how Malaciah, the soda jerk at the drugstore in town, was reluctant to accept Willie's advances:
Unlock with LitCharts A+The Boss started toward him and put out his hand. Old Leather-Face didn't show. Maybe he shuffled one of his broken brogans on the tiles, and his Adam's apple jerked once or twice, and the eyes were watchful out of that face which resembled the seat of an old saddle left out in the weather, but when the Boss got close, his hand came up from the elbow, like it didn't belong to Old Leather-Face but was operating on its own, and the Boss took it.
Related Themes:
Chapter 9
Explanation and Analysis—It Won't Kill You:
Throughout the novel there are multiple instances of people who are hesitant to shake Willie's hand but do so anyway. The first instance of this motif is early in Chapter 1, in Mason City, when Jack describes how Malaciah, the soda jerk at the drugstore in town, was reluctant to accept Willie's advances:
Unlock with LitCharts A+The Boss started toward him and put out his hand. Old Leather-Face didn't show. Maybe he shuffled one of his broken brogans on the tiles, and his Adam's apple jerked once or twice, and the eyes were watchful out of that face which resembled the seat of an old saddle left out in the weather, but when the Boss got close, his hand came up from the elbow, like it didn't belong to Old Leather-Face but was operating on its own, and the Boss took it.
Related Themes:
