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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
Key Examples in Night
Chapter 3
Explanation and Analysis—Father and Son:
Throughout Night, there is a recurring motif of Eliezer's guilt driven by the conflict between Eliezer’s love for his father and his desire to concede. In Chapter 3, the Roma inmate in charge strikes Chlomo in front of Eliezer:
I stood petrified. What had happened to me? My father had just been struck, in front of me, and I had not even blinked. I had watched and kept silent. Only yesterday, I would have dug my nails into this criminal’s flesh. Had I changed that much? So fast? Remorse began to gnaw at me.
Related Themes:
Chapter 6
Explanation and Analysis—Father and Son:
Throughout Night, there is a recurring motif of Eliezer's guilt driven by the conflict between Eliezer’s love for his father and his desire to concede. In Chapter 3, the Roma inmate in charge strikes Chlomo in front of Eliezer:
Unlock with LitCharts A+I stood petrified. What had happened to me? My father had just been struck, in front of me, and I had not even blinked. I had watched and kept silent. Only yesterday, I would have dug my nails into this criminal’s flesh. Had I changed that much? So fast? Remorse began to gnaw at me.
Related Themes:
Chapter 8
Explanation and Analysis—Father and Son:
Throughout Night, there is a recurring motif of Eliezer's guilt driven by the conflict between Eliezer’s love for his father and his desire to concede. In Chapter 3, the Roma inmate in charge strikes Chlomo in front of Eliezer:
Unlock with LitCharts A+I stood petrified. What had happened to me? My father had just been struck, in front of me, and I had not even blinked. I had watched and kept silent. Only yesterday, I would have dug my nails into this criminal’s flesh. Had I changed that much? So fast? Remorse began to gnaw at me.
Related Themes:
