Previous
Mood
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—Scalping :
The act of scalping, as well as dismembering, is a motif that reappears to some extent in nearly every chapter of the novel. This motif reduces people to parts of their body, both literally, through viciously murdering them, and figuratively, through scalping them for profit and thus reducing them to capital.
Related Themes:
Motifs
Explanation and Analysis—Dancing :
From the novel's ending where the Judge is "dancing, dancing," to the Americans dancing with the family of entertainers, or dancing with the townspeople after selling scalps, dancing is a motif throughout Blood Meridian.
Unlock with LitCharts A+
Related Themes:
