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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
Key Examples in Half Broke Horses
Chapter 3
Explanation and Analysis—The Secrets of Water:
Throughout the novel, the motif of water connects Lily to nature and distinguishes the technologically advancing world from the world of ranching. For example, when she moves to Chicago, she marvels at Lake Michigan, saying that it's more water than she's ever seen, as she's from the desert:
Coming from a place where people measured water by the pailful, where they fought and sometimes killed each other over water, it was hard to imagine, even though I was looking at it, that billions of gallons of fresh water—I figured it had to be billions or even trillions—could be sitting there undrunk, unused, and uncontested.
Related Themes:
Chapter 6
Explanation and Analysis—The Secrets of Water:
Throughout the novel, the motif of water connects Lily to nature and distinguishes the technologically advancing world from the world of ranching. For example, when she moves to Chicago, she marvels at Lake Michigan, saying that it's more water than she's ever seen, as she's from the desert:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Coming from a place where people measured water by the pailful, where they fought and sometimes killed each other over water, it was hard to imagine, even though I was looking at it, that billions of gallons of fresh water—I figured it had to be billions or even trillions—could be sitting there undrunk, unused, and uncontested.
Related Themes:
