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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
Motifs
Explanation and Analysis—Trust in Technology:
Overblown trust in technology is a motif in the novel. The failures at Isla Nublar are a clear example of how over-reliance on technology can cause far bigger problems than it solves. For instance, the Land Rovers are designed to take park visitors on a safe, predetermined path through the park. Nothing should be able to go wrong.
Related Themes:
Fifth Iteration: Aviary
Explanation and Analysis—The Malcolm Effect:
"The Malcolm Effect" is a motif in the novel, repeatedly foreshadowing a total loss of human control on the island. One example occurs in Fifth Iteration: Aviary, when Malcolm tells Ellie to start preparing for worse yet to come:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“Go into the rooms on this floor,” Malcolm said, “and fill the bathtubs with water.”
Ellie frowned.
“Also,” Malcolm said, “have we got any walkie-talkies? Flashlights? Matches? Sterno stoves? Things like that?”
“I’ll look around. You planning for an earthquake?”
“Something like that,” Malcolm said. “Malcolm Effect implies catastrophic changes.”
“But Arnold says all the systems are working perfectly.”
“That’s when it happens,” Malcolm said.
Related Themes:
