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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 1
Explanation and Analysis—Family:
Different versions of families appear as a motif throughout the novel. As early as Chapter 1, the novel describes family as something Oliver is missing, and something he may or may not be better off without:
Now, if during this brief period Oliver had been surrounded by careful grandmothers, anxious aunts, experienced nurses, and doctors of profound wisdom, he would most inevitably and indubitably have been killed [by suffocation] in no time. There being nobody by, however, but a pauper old woman [...] and a parish surgeon who did such matters by contract, Oliver and nature fought out the point between them.
Related Themes:
Chapter 2
Explanation and Analysis—Real Boy:
One of the central ideas of Oliver Twist is that Oliver must fight again and again to be seen as a real human being and not as an animal. One instance of this motif occurs in Chapter 2, when Oliver infamously pleads for more gruel:
Unlock with LitCharts A+"Please, sir," replied Oliver, "I want some more." The master aimed a blow at Oliver’s head with the ladle, pinioned him in his arms, and shrieked aloud for the beadle.
Related Themes:
Chapter 4
Explanation and Analysis—Real Boy:
One of the central ideas of Oliver Twist is that Oliver must fight again and again to be seen as a real human being and not as an animal. One instance of this motif occurs in Chapter 2, when Oliver infamously pleads for more gruel:
Unlock with LitCharts A+"Please, sir," replied Oliver, "I want some more." The master aimed a blow at Oliver’s head with the ladle, pinioned him in his arms, and shrieked aloud for the beadle.
Related Themes:
Chapter 12
Explanation and Analysis—Familiar Strangers:
Throughout the novel, there is a motif of strangers who seem—for good reason—oddly familiar. One instance of this motif occurs in Chapter 12, when Oliver is fascinated by a strange woman's portrait in Mr. Brownlow's house:
Unlock with LitCharts A+"[T]he eyes look so sorrowful, and where I sit they seem fixed upon me. It makes my heart beat," added Oliver in a low voice, "as it if was alive, and wanted to speak to me, but couldn't."
Related Themes:
Chapter 16
Explanation and Analysis—Sikes's Dog:
Sikes's dog is a motif that comes to symbolize the idea of loyalty and the dangers of unquestioningly following powerful leaders. This motif occurs in Chapter 16, when Sikes and Nancy have taken Oliver away from Mr. Brownlow's house. Sikes has just told his dog to lunge at Oliver's throat if he says anything to prevent his being taken back to Fagin:
Unlock with LitCharts A+The dog growled again, and, licking his lips, eyed Oliver as if he were anxious to attach himself to his windpipe without any unnecessary delay.
"He's as willing as a Christian, strike me blind if he isn't," said Sikes, regarding the animal with a kind of grim and ferocious approval.
Related Themes:
Chapter 24
Explanation and Analysis—Discovery and Disclosure:
As much as the plot of the novel is driven by dramatic irony, it is also driven by the resolution of irony through the motif of discovery and disclosure. One example of this motif occurs in Chapter 24, when Old Sally reveals to Mrs. Corney that she has a secret about Oliver's family history:
Unlock with LitCharts A+"Now listen to me!" said the dying woman aloud, as if making a great effort to revive one latent spark of energy. "In this very room—in this very bed—I once nursed a pretty young creetur’, that was brought into the house with her feet cut and bruised with walking, and all soiled with dust and blood. She gave birth to a boy, and died. [...]"
Related Themes:
Chapter 34
Explanation and Analysis—Familiar Strangers:
Throughout the novel, there is a motif of strangers who seem—for good reason—oddly familiar. One instance of this motif occurs in Chapter 12, when Oliver is fascinated by a strange woman's portrait in Mr. Brownlow's house:
Unlock with LitCharts A+"[T]he eyes look so sorrowful, and where I sit they seem fixed upon me. It makes my heart beat," added Oliver in a low voice, "as it if was alive, and wanted to speak to me, but couldn't."
Related Themes:
Chapter 37
Explanation and Analysis—Familiar Strangers:
Throughout the novel, there is a motif of strangers who seem—for good reason—oddly familiar. One instance of this motif occurs in Chapter 12, when Oliver is fascinated by a strange woman's portrait in Mr. Brownlow's house:
Unlock with LitCharts A+"[T]he eyes look so sorrowful, and where I sit they seem fixed upon me. It makes my heart beat," added Oliver in a low voice, "as it if was alive, and wanted to speak to me, but couldn't."
Related Themes:
Chapter 38
Explanation and Analysis—Discovery and Disclosure:
As much as the plot of the novel is driven by dramatic irony, it is also driven by the resolution of irony through the motif of discovery and disclosure. One example of this motif occurs in Chapter 24, when Old Sally reveals to Mrs. Corney that she has a secret about Oliver's family history:
Unlock with LitCharts A+"Now listen to me!" said the dying woman aloud, as if making a great effort to revive one latent spark of energy. "In this very room—in this very bed—I once nursed a pretty young creetur’, that was brought into the house with her feet cut and bruised with walking, and all soiled with dust and blood. She gave birth to a boy, and died. [...]"
Related Themes:
Chapter 40
Explanation and Analysis—Discovery and Disclosure:
As much as the plot of the novel is driven by dramatic irony, it is also driven by the resolution of irony through the motif of discovery and disclosure. One example of this motif occurs in Chapter 24, when Old Sally reveals to Mrs. Corney that she has a secret about Oliver's family history:
Unlock with LitCharts A+"Now listen to me!" said the dying woman aloud, as if making a great effort to revive one latent spark of energy. "In this very room—in this very bed—I once nursed a pretty young creetur’, that was brought into the house with her feet cut and bruised with walking, and all soiled with dust and blood. She gave birth to a boy, and died. [...]"
Related Themes:
Chapter 50
Explanation and Analysis—Sikes's Dog:
Sikes's dog is a motif that comes to symbolize the idea of loyalty and the dangers of unquestioningly following powerful leaders. This motif occurs in Chapter 16, when Sikes and Nancy have taken Oliver away from Mr. Brownlow's house. Sikes has just told his dog to lunge at Oliver's throat if he says anything to prevent his being taken back to Fagin:
Unlock with LitCharts A+The dog growled again, and, licking his lips, eyed Oliver as if he were anxious to attach himself to his windpipe without any unnecessary delay.
"He's as willing as a Christian, strike me blind if he isn't," said Sikes, regarding the animal with a kind of grim and ferocious approval.
Related Themes:
