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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 2
Explanation and Analysis—The Troubled Artist:
The motif of the troubled artist appears often in The Beautiful and Damned, forming a subtle critique of artists who aren't willing to work hard. In Chapter 2, a conversation between Richard and Anthony illuminates the subject:
“Then you don’t think the artist works from his intelligence?”
“No. He goes on improving, if he can, what he imitates in the way of style, and choosing from his own interpretation of the things around him what constitutes material. But after all every writer writes because it’s his mode of living. Don’t tell me you like this ‘Divine Function of the Artist’ business?”
“I’m not accustomed even to refer to myself as an artist.”
“Dick,” said Anthony, changing his tone, “I want to beg your pardon.”
“Why?”
“For that outburst. I’m honestly sorry. I was talking for effect.”
Related Themes:
Chapter 3
Explanation and Analysis—Passion:
Fitzgerald uses passion, as differently expressed by Anthony and Gloria, as a motif to show that passion is often fluctuating and fickle. First, Anthony has two impulses toward Gloria: to love her and to hurt her. The motif of passion features both of these tendencies. In Chapter 3, the narrator describes Anthony's mixed feelings:
Unlock with LitCharts A+However much his wild thoughts varied between a passionate desire for her kisses and an equally passionate craving to hurt and mar her, the residue of his mind craved in finer fashion to possess the triumphant soul that had shone through those three minutes.
Related Themes:
Chapter 8
Explanation and Analysis—Passion:
Fitzgerald uses passion, as differently expressed by Anthony and Gloria, as a motif to show that passion is often fluctuating and fickle. First, Anthony has two impulses toward Gloria: to love her and to hurt her. The motif of passion features both of these tendencies. In Chapter 3, the narrator describes Anthony's mixed feelings:
Unlock with LitCharts A+However much his wild thoughts varied between a passionate desire for her kisses and an equally passionate craving to hurt and mar her, the residue of his mind craved in finer fashion to possess the triumphant soul that had shone through those three minutes.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Alcoholism:
Throughout The Beautiful and Damned, alcoholism is a motif that emphasizes the moral and physical deterioration of Anthony Patch. As the novel progresses, he drinks with increasing frequency. Even toward the end of the novel, when he has very little money, he prioritizes the purchase of alcohol. Not only does this affect his speech, behavior, and relationship with Gloria, but it also makes him irresponsible and unhealthy. In Chapter 8, the narrator describes Anthony's declining health:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Except when Anthony was drinking, his range of sensation had become less than that of a healthy old man and when prohibition came in July he found that, among those who could afford it, there was more drinking than ever before. One’s host now brought out a bottle upon the slightest pretext. The tendency to display liquor was a manifestation of the same instinct that led a man to deck his wife with jewels. To have liquor was a boast, almost a badge of respectability.
Related Themes:
Chapter 9
Explanation and Analysis—Greed:
The recurring motif of greed develops the themes of wealth and waste in The Beautiful and Damned. In Chapter 9, the narrator describes the long-awaited end to the trial around Anthony's grandfather's will:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Three weeks later the trial came to an end. The seemingly endless spool of legal red tape having unrolled over a period of four and a half years, suddenly snapped off. Anthony and Gloria and, on the other side, Edward Shuttleworth and a platoon of beneficiaries testified and lied and ill-behaved generally in varying degrees of greed and desperation.
Related Themes:
