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
Key Examples in Edward II
Act 2, Scene 2
Explanation and Analysis—The Garden of England:
One major motif running throughout Edward II is the metaphorical treatment of England as a garden and the King as a large tree at the center of that garden. This political metaphor was conventional when Marlowe wrote the play and is also used by Shakespeare in a number of his own history plays. We see one instance of this motif when King Edward and Mortimer discuss the return of Gaveston to the English court:
EDWARD
[...] But tell me, Mortimer, what’s thy device
Against the stately triumph we decreed?MORTIMER
A homely one, my lord, not worth the telling.EDWARD
Prithee let me know it.MORTIMER
But seeing you are so desirous, thus it is:
A lofty cedar tree, fair flourishing,
On whose top branches kingly eagles perch,
And by the bark a canker creeps me up.
And gets unto the highest bough of all.
Related Themes:
Act 3, Scene 2
Explanation and Analysis—The Garden of England:
One major motif running throughout Edward II is the metaphorical treatment of England as a garden and the King as a large tree at the center of that garden. This political metaphor was conventional when Marlowe wrote the play and is also used by Shakespeare in a number of his own history plays. We see one instance of this motif when King Edward and Mortimer discuss the return of Gaveston to the English court:
Unlock with LitCharts A+EDWARD
[...] But tell me, Mortimer, what’s thy device
Against the stately triumph we decreed?MORTIMER
A homely one, my lord, not worth the telling.EDWARD
Prithee let me know it.MORTIMER
But seeing you are so desirous, thus it is:
A lofty cedar tree, fair flourishing,
On whose top branches kingly eagles perch,
And by the bark a canker creeps me up.
And gets unto the highest bough of all.
Related Themes:
Act 5, Scene 2
Explanation and Analysis—Fortune's Wheel :
An important motif in the play is Fortune’s wheel, a common allegorical figure in the Renaissance for the unpredictability of life. After assigning Matrevis and Gurney to guard the former King Edward, tormenting him with insults and discomfort, Mortimer states:
Unlock with LitCharts A+As thou intendest to rise by Mortimer,
Who now makes Fortune’s wheel turn as he please,
Seek all the means thou canst to make him droop,
And neither give him kind word nor good look.
Related Themes:
Act 5, Scene 6
Explanation and Analysis—Jove's Huge Tree:
Mortimer compares himself metaphorically to a tall tree and his enemies to small shrubs after receiving word that his order to murder the imprisoned former King Edward has been carried out. Speaking with Matrevis, who assisted in the murder, Mortimer states:
Unlock with LitCharts A+As for myself, I stand as Jove’s huge tree,
And others are but shrubs compared to me;
All tremble at my name, and I fear none.
Let’s see who dare impeach me for his death?
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Fortune's Wheel :
An important motif in the play is Fortune’s wheel, a common allegorical figure in the Renaissance for the unpredictability of life. After assigning Matrevis and Gurney to guard the former King Edward, tormenting him with insults and discomfort, Mortimer states:
Unlock with LitCharts A+As thou intendest to rise by Mortimer,
Who now makes Fortune’s wheel turn as he please,
Seek all the means thou canst to make him droop,
And neither give him kind word nor good look.
Related Themes:
