Previous
Mood
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 King Lear
Act 1, scene 4
Explanation and Analysis—Crowns, Crowns, Crowns:
As Lear loses his hold on his kingdom and takes up on the heath as a madman, various characters make comments about his head and crown—playing on the double meaning of the word as both a part of a head and a symbol of royal authority—as a way to emphasize his dramatic fall from grace. Such comments about Lear's crowns and bare head often emphasize his dramatic fall from grace. In Act 1, Scene 4, for instance, the Fool makes clear that Lear has erred by "splitting his crown in two":
[...] When thou clovest thy crown i' th' middle, and gavest away both parts, thou borest thy ass o' th' back o'er the dirt.
Related Themes:
Act 3, scene 2
Explanation and Analysis—Crowns, Crowns, Crowns:
As Lear loses his hold on his kingdom and takes up on the heath as a madman, various characters make comments about his head and crown—playing on the double meaning of the word as both a part of a head and a symbol of royal authority—as a way to emphasize his dramatic fall from grace. Such comments about Lear's crowns and bare head often emphasize his dramatic fall from grace. In Act 1, Scene 4, for instance, the Fool makes clear that Lear has erred by "splitting his crown in two":
Unlock with LitCharts A+[...] When thou clovest thy crown i' th' middle, and gavest away both parts, thou borest thy ass o' th' back o'er the dirt.
Related Themes:
Act 4, scene 4
Explanation and Analysis—Crowns, Crowns, Crowns:
As Lear loses his hold on his kingdom and takes up on the heath as a madman, various characters make comments about his head and crown—playing on the double meaning of the word as both a part of a head and a symbol of royal authority—as a way to emphasize his dramatic fall from grace. Such comments about Lear's crowns and bare head often emphasize his dramatic fall from grace. In Act 1, Scene 4, for instance, the Fool makes clear that Lear has erred by "splitting his crown in two":
Unlock with LitCharts A+[...] When thou clovest thy crown i' th' middle, and gavest away both parts, thou borest thy ass o' th' back o'er the dirt.
Related Themes:
