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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—Physical Descriptors:
Throughout the novel, Vonnegut used physical attributes—often crass, arbitrary, offensive, or humorous—to describe or introduce characters. He provides this information directly, without commentary or evaluation. Over time, this motif becomes a way to highlight the absurdity of values or concepts that have become integral to the way American culture operates.
Related Themes:
Motifs
Explanation and Analysis—Drawings:
Throughout the novel, Vonnegut includes drawings to illustrate concepts or objects he discusses, accentuate his satire, and demonstrate the absurdity he often tries to articulate. These drawings appear on nearly every other page and are simplistic but productive. They tend to resemble Vonnegut's writing style: humorous, straightforward, and without frills, but also capable of illuminating deeper truths.
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Related Themes:
Epilogue
Explanation and Analysis—Apples:
Apples are a key motif in the novel. They occur three important times. First, Vonnegut explains what an apple is: he describes it as "a popular fruit" and includes an accompanying drawing. Second, in a passage that plays with symbolism to such an extreme that it pushes the limits of what should be taken seriously as symbolism, he alludes to the story of Adam and Eve by saying: "What was the apple which Eve and Adam ate? It was the Creator of the Universe." Finally, in the epilogue, Vonnegut himself (both character and author) offers an apple to Trout:
Unlock with LitCharts A+"I hold in my hand a symbol of wholeness and harmony and nourishment. It is Oriental in its simplicity, but we are Americans, Kilgore, and not Chinamen. We Americans require symbols which are richly colored and three-dimensional and juicy. Most of all, we hunger for symbols which have not been poisoned by great sins our nation has committed, such as slavery and genocide and criminal neglect, or by tinhorn commercial greed and cunning." [...]
He saw that I held an apple in my hand.
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Explanation and Analysis—Free Will:
Breakfast of Champions is closely concerned with what it means to have free will. These concerns reach their climax in the epilogue, when Vonnegut tells Trout:
Unlock with LitCharts A+"I am going to set at liberty all the characters who have served me so loyally during my writing career.
You are the only one I am telling. For the others, tonight will be a night like any other night. Arise, Mr. Trout, you are free, you are free."
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