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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 8
Explanation and Analysis—Darkness:
Throughout Brave New World, darkness is associated with degradation or lower-caste status. Anything "black" or "dark" is unsavory—Epsilon workers, for instance, wear dark-colored garments. This helps to reinforce the correlation between social hierarchy and race, a consequence of prejudice that, while perhaps reduced in this new civilization, still exists within the structural framework of society and leads to the debasement of those in lower castes.
In Chapter 8, for instance, John looks out into the desert and sees the mesa's shadow, immediately associating its darkness with death and suicide:
The moon was behind him; [John] looked down into the black shadow of the mesa, into the black shadow of death. He had only to take one step, one little jump… .
Related Themes:
Chapter 11
Explanation and Analysis—Darkness:
Throughout Brave New World, darkness is associated with degradation or lower-caste status. Anything "black" or "dark" is unsavory—Epsilon workers, for instance, wear dark-colored garments. This helps to reinforce the correlation between social hierarchy and race, a consequence of prejudice that, while perhaps reduced in this new civilization, still exists within the structural framework of society and leads to the debasement of those in lower castes.
In Chapter 8, for instance, John looks out into the desert and sees the mesa's shadow, immediately associating its darkness with death and suicide:
Unlock with LitCharts A+The moon was behind him; [John] looked down into the black shadow of the mesa, into the black shadow of death. He had only to take one step, one little jump… .
Related Themes:
