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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—Blind and Blinded:
Blindness is a motif that recurs again and again throughout Oedipus Rex. For most of the play, Oedipus is figuratively blind, meaning ignorant, whereas the literally blind Tiresias has knowledge of the future. Tiresias eventually communicates his knowledge to Oedipus, but he does so through a riddle that Oedipus is unable to decipher, once more evidencing Oedipus's ignorance.
Related Themes:
