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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
Prologue
Explanation and Analysis—Covert Protest:
One prominent motif in Invisible Man is the notion of covert protest. While some characters in the novel are quick to take bold and open action, others keep their actions hidden while nevertheless hoping to challenge the status quo. At the beginning of the novel, for example, the narrator claims that his “hibernation” in the basement of an all-white building is a form of protest:
And despite Brother Jack and all that sad, lost period of the Brotherhood, I believe in nothing if not in action [...] Meanwhile I enjoy my life with the compliments of Monopolated Light & Power. Since you never recognize me even when in closest contact with me, and since, no doubt, you’ll hardly believe that I exist, it won’t matter if you know that I tapped a power line leading into the building and ran it into my hole in the ground.
Related Themes:
Chapter 1
Explanation and Analysis—Covert Protest:
One prominent motif in Invisible Man is the notion of covert protest. While some characters in the novel are quick to take bold and open action, others keep their actions hidden while nevertheless hoping to challenge the status quo. At the beginning of the novel, for example, the narrator claims that his “hibernation” in the basement of an all-white building is a form of protest:
Unlock with LitCharts A+And despite Brother Jack and all that sad, lost period of the Brotherhood, I believe in nothing if not in action [...] Meanwhile I enjoy my life with the compliments of Monopolated Light & Power. Since you never recognize me even when in closest contact with me, and since, no doubt, you’ll hardly believe that I exist, it won’t matter if you know that I tapped a power line leading into the building and ran it into my hole in the ground.
Related Themes:
Chapter 6
Explanation and Analysis—Self-Preservation :
A prominent motif in Invisible Man is people's willingness to resort to extreme and cruel means in order to maintain their social position. Dr. Bledsoe, president of the unnamed Black college, for example, expresses to the narrator his willingness to sacrifice others in the name of self-preservation:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Well, that’s the way it is. It’s a nasty deal and I don’t always like it myself. But you listen to me: I didn’t make it, and I know that I can’t change it. But I’ve made my place in it and I’ll have every Negro in the country hanging on tree limbs by morning if it means staying where I am.
Related Themes:
Chapter 10
Explanation and Analysis—Self-Preservation :
A prominent motif in Invisible Man is people's willingness to resort to extreme and cruel means in order to maintain their social position. Dr. Bledsoe, president of the unnamed Black college, for example, expresses to the narrator his willingness to sacrifice others in the name of self-preservation:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Well, that’s the way it is. It’s a nasty deal and I don’t always like it myself. But you listen to me: I didn’t make it, and I know that I can’t change it. But I’ve made my place in it and I’ll have every Negro in the country hanging on tree limbs by morning if it means staying where I am.
Related Themes:
