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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—Lies:
Many different types of lies show up throughout Huckleberry Finn. First and foremost, the two main characters—Huck and Jim—lie about their identities in order to protect themselves. As Huck is on the run from his abusive father, Pap, and Jim is trying to escape being recaptured into slavery, lying is what keeps them safe. At one point, Huck dresses up as a girl in order to gather information in town about if people are still looking for him and Jim. As he gets to know Jim better, he begins to lie simply to keep Jim safe, like telling the duke and the king that he is Jim's enslaver or making up a story about a smallpox outbreak in order to get slave-catchers off their trail.
Related Themes:
