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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 1: The Seventh Day
Explanation and Analysis—The Dirty House :
Throughout Go Tell It on the Mountain, Baldwin utilizes the motif of a dirty living space to repeatedly comment upon the embedded nature of both racism and religious guilt in American culture. At the beginning of the novel, John repeatedly complains about his least favorite household chore: cleaning the seemingly eternally-dirty rugs:
He felt like an indescribably weary traveler who sees his home at last. Yet for each dustpan he so laboriously filled at the doorsill demons added to the rug twenty more; [...] and nearly wept to think that so much labor brought so little reward.
Related Themes:
Part 2: The Prayers of the Saints: Florence’s Prayer
Explanation and Analysis—The Dirty House :
Throughout Go Tell It on the Mountain, Baldwin utilizes the motif of a dirty living space to repeatedly comment upon the embedded nature of both racism and religious guilt in American culture. At the beginning of the novel, John repeatedly complains about his least favorite household chore: cleaning the seemingly eternally-dirty rugs:
Unlock with LitCharts A+He felt like an indescribably weary traveler who sees his home at last. Yet for each dustpan he so laboriously filled at the doorsill demons added to the rug twenty more; [...] and nearly wept to think that so much labor brought so little reward.
Related Themes:
