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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
Chapter 4: The Fight
Explanation and Analysis—Destructive Love :
One prominent motif in Kindred is the destructive form of love best exemplified by Rufus, whose actions bring great suffering to Alice and Dana, the two women whom he loves, albeit in different ways. Dana first recognizes this aspect of Rufus’s character when he attempts to explain why he attempted to rape Alice, despite her disinterest in him and the fact that she is already married to Isaac:
He turned his head toward me and peered at me through swollen eyes. “I begged her not to go with him,” he said quietly. “Do you hear me, I begged her!” I said nothing. I was beginning to realize that he loved the woman—to her misfortune. There was no shame in raping a black woman, but there could be shame in loving one.
“I didn’t want to just drag her off into the bushes,” said Rufus. “I never wanted it to be like that. But she kept saying no.”
Related Themes:
Chapter 5: The Storm
Explanation and Analysis—Trauma and Wholeness:
The lingering effects of trauma serve as a major motif in Kindred. Both Dana and Kevin, in different ways, experience trauma during the time they spend in the early 19th century. In Kindred, trauma takes something from a person, leaving them permanently marked by their experiences. When Kevin is reunited with Dana in 1976 after spending several years alone in the past, Dana argues that he must give himself time to heal, as he has lost part of himself:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“Kevin …” He stalked out of the room before I could finish. I ran after him, caught his arm. “Kevin!” He stopped, glared at me as though I was some stranger who had dared to lay hands on him. “Kevin, you can’t come back all at once any more than you can leave all at once. It takes time. After a while, though, things will fall into place.” His expression did not change.
Related Themes:
Chapter 6: The Rope
Explanation and Analysis—Trauma and Wholeness:
The lingering effects of trauma serve as a major motif in Kindred. Both Dana and Kevin, in different ways, experience trauma during the time they spend in the early 19th century. In Kindred, trauma takes something from a person, leaving them permanently marked by their experiences. When Kevin is reunited with Dana in 1976 after spending several years alone in the past, Dana argues that he must give himself time to heal, as he has lost part of himself:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“Kevin …” He stalked out of the room before I could finish. I ran after him, caught his arm. “Kevin!” He stopped, glared at me as though I was some stranger who had dared to lay hands on him. “Kevin, you can’t come back all at once any more than you can leave all at once. It takes time. After a while, though, things will fall into place.” His expression did not change.
Related Themes:
