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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
Part 2, Chapter 2
Explanation and Analysis—Wandering :
A notable motif in Crime and Punishment is unplanned, unwilled, and coincidental meetings. At various points in the novel, Raskolnikov finds himself making an almost unconscious detour from his usual walking route when he is in a distracted or dazed state. Often, these detours lead him to individuals who shape his destiny in some way. Shortly after the murder of the pawnbroker, for example, Raskolnikov finds himself walking almost automatically to the apartment of Razumikhin:
When he walked out to the embankment of the Little Neva, on Vasilievsky Island, near the bridge, he suddenly stopped. “Here’s where he lives, in that house,” he thought. “Well, well, I seem to have brought myself to Razumikhin! The same story all over again…It’s very curious, however: did I mean to come, or did I simply walk and end up here? Makes no difference.”
Related Themes:
Part 6, Chapter 3
Explanation and Analysis—Wandering :
A notable motif in Crime and Punishment is unplanned, unwilled, and coincidental meetings. At various points in the novel, Raskolnikov finds himself making an almost unconscious detour from his usual walking route when he is in a distracted or dazed state. Often, these detours lead him to individuals who shape his destiny in some way. Shortly after the murder of the pawnbroker, for example, Raskolnikov finds himself walking almost automatically to the apartment of Razumikhin:
Unlock with LitCharts A+When he walked out to the embankment of the Little Neva, on Vasilievsky Island, near the bridge, he suddenly stopped. “Here’s where he lives, in that house,” he thought. “Well, well, I seem to have brought myself to Razumikhin! The same story all over again…It’s very curious, however: did I mean to come, or did I simply walk and end up here? Makes no difference.”
Related Themes:
