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
Chapter 1
Explanation and Analysis—Human Species:
In Chapters 1 and 11, Mitchell's characters often use scientific language associated with species classification, typically to refer to indigenous people. During the 1840s and '50s—and even earlier—scientists in Europe and America were fixated on the discovery and classification of new species. Darwin's seminal text on evolution, On the Origin of Species, was published in 1859. Adam Ewing and Dr. Henry Goose both establish themselves as part of the educated middle class by using such scientific language—though, when discussing humans, it is only indigenous people that are considered new species. Note the following example of this motif from Chapter 1:
The nomenclatures Maori & Pakeha I knew from the Prophetess's sojourn at the Bay of Islands, but I begged to know who or what Moriori might signify.
Related Themes:
Chapter 2
Explanation and Analysis—Language of Music:
Robert Frobisher often uses musical language as a form of imagery to characterize the world around him. This speaks to his perspective as a composer and the way his work entirely consumes his life. This musical language emerges as motif throughout Chapters 2 and 10.
Note the following example from Chapter 2, in which Frobisher compares scriveners to "demisemiquavers":
Unlock with LitCharts A+Had a view of an alley: downtrodden scriveners hurtling by like demisemiquavers in a Beethoven allegro. Afraid of 'em? No, I'm afraid of being one. What value are education, breeding, and talent if one doesn't have a pot to piss in?
