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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
Motifs
Explanation and Analysis—Music:
Music is utilized as a means of survival, protest, expression, and community in Beloved. This motif often shows up in the form of allusions. For example, Paul D's work song that he sings as he fixes up 124 is an adaptation of a real railroad work song called "Sis Joe." The allusion reminds the reader that suffering like that in the novel reflects the reality of slavery. Furthermore, the song's beat aligns with the beat of Paul D's hammering, highlighting how songs were used to survive harsh working conditions.
Related Themes:
Part 1, Chapter 3
Explanation and Analysis—Hunger:
Beloved uses hunger as a motif to demonstrate the way that slavery deprived Black people of their physical and psychological needs, leaving them with an emptiness that needs healing. As such, the novel explores various types of hunger. For example, Beloved has a sweet tooth and a hunger for the past. In both cases, her hunger negatively affects Sethe, who starves herself to keep Beloved happy and becomes consumed by the past that Beloved makes her remember.
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Related Themes:
Part 1, Chapter 4
Explanation and Analysis—Three:
Beloved repeatedly uses the number three to draw attention to the dysfunctionality of various relationships in the novel. The motif draws from Biblical numerology, where the number represents completeness. In contrast, the novel uses threes to signal what is missing. For example, 124, Sethe's house number, is missing the "3" that goes between "2" and "4" when counting, representing how Beloved (the third child) is missing from the house.
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Related Themes:
Part 2, Chapter 23
Explanation and Analysis—Three:
Beloved repeatedly uses the number three to draw attention to the dysfunctionality of various relationships in the novel. The motif draws from Biblical numerology, where the number represents completeness. In contrast, the novel uses threes to signal what is missing. For example, 124, Sethe's house number, is missing the "3" that goes between "2" and "4" when counting, representing how Beloved (the third child) is missing from the house.
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Related Themes:
Part 3, Chapter 28
Explanation and Analysis—Three:
Beloved repeatedly uses the number three to draw attention to the dysfunctionality of various relationships in the novel. The motif draws from Biblical numerology, where the number represents completeness. In contrast, the novel uses threes to signal what is missing. For example, 124, Sethe's house number, is missing the "3" that goes between "2" and "4" when counting, representing how Beloved (the third child) is missing from the house.
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Related Themes:
