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 Les Miserables
Volume 1, Book 7: The Champmathieu Affair
Explanation and Analysis—Pseudonyms :
In Volume 1, Book 7, Chapter 3, the novel reveals—to no surprise—that Monsieur Madeleine is Jean Valjean, illustrating the story's use of pseudonyms as a motif:
The reader has, no doubt, already divined that M. Madeleine is no other than Jean Valjean. […] We have but little to add to what the reader already knows of what had happened to Jean Valjean after the adventure with Little Gervais. From that moment forth he was, as we have seen, a totally different man.
Volume 3, Book 8: The Wicked Poor Man
Explanation and Analysis—Pseudonyms :
In Volume 1, Book 7, Chapter 3, the novel reveals—to no surprise—that Monsieur Madeleine is Jean Valjean, illustrating the story's use of pseudonyms as a motif:
Unlock with LitCharts A+The reader has, no doubt, already divined that M. Madeleine is no other than Jean Valjean. […] We have but little to add to what the reader already knows of what had happened to Jean Valjean after the adventure with Little Gervais. From that moment forth he was, as we have seen, a totally different man.
Volume 5, Book 5: Grandson and Grandfather
Explanation and Analysis—Pseudonyms :
In Volume 1, Book 7, Chapter 3, the novel reveals—to no surprise—that Monsieur Madeleine is Jean Valjean, illustrating the story's use of pseudonyms as a motif:
Unlock with LitCharts A+The reader has, no doubt, already divined that M. Madeleine is no other than Jean Valjean. […] We have but little to add to what the reader already knows of what had happened to Jean Valjean after the adventure with Little Gervais. From that moment forth he was, as we have seen, a totally different man.
