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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—Manipulation:
Throughout The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Tom manipulates the people around him, from his Aunt Polly to his closest friends, and this forms a motif. In fact, the novel starts with Tom telling Aunt Polly that he didn’t play hooky from school when, in reality, he did. Not only that, but he stitched up his shirt to convince her that he’d never taken it off to go swimming. Unfortunately, his brother Sid recognizes that he used the wrong color thread to stitch it up, so Tom is caught in his lie. Soon after, Tom convinces all of the boys in the village to whitewash Aunt Polly’s fence for him (his punishment for lying about skipping school), manipulating them into believing that whitewashing is a privilege rather than a punishment.
Related Themes:
