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Metaphors
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
Part 1: Book 3, Chapter 3: The Confession of an Ardent Heart. In Verse.
Explanation and Analysis—The Beauty of Suffering:
A prominent motif in The Brothers Karamazov is the desire for suffering. Many characters in the novel suffer voluntarily, taking an unhealthy pleasure in their own physical or emotional pain. Most often, this motivates them to behave in a manner that is shameful or self-destructive. Fyodor’s poor behavior at the hermitage, for example, is driven by his own desire to act like a fool and be hated by others. As Alexei reflects upon his father’s demand that he leave the monastery immediately, the narrator states that:
I hasten to say that he was not in the least afraid of his father’s shouts or his order to move home with “pillow and mattress.” He understood very well that the order to move, given aloud and with such ostentatious shouting, was given “in passion,” even for the beauty of it, so to speak—just as recently in our town a tradesman who got a little too merry at his own birthday party, in front of his guests, became angry when they would not give him more vodka and suddenly began smashing his own dishes [...]
Related Themes:
Part 1: Book 3, Chapter 4: The Confession of an Ardent Heart. In Anecdotes.
Explanation and Analysis—Insects:
Throughout The Brothers Karamazov, Dostoevsky uses many metaphors related to insects. These insect metaphors serve as a motif throughout the novel, generally signifying behavior or attitudes that are lowly or unworthy of humanity, particularly with regard to Dmitri. When Dmitri confesses to Alexei about his disreputable behavior with women, flirting with them but later refusing to get married, he states that:
Unlock with LitCharts A+This game only amused my insect sensuality, which I was nurturing in myself. After five months she married an official and left … angry, and maybe still in love with me. Now they’re living happily together. Note that I didn’t tell anyone [...] You’re blushing; your eyes flashed. Enough of this filth for you. And it’s all nothing yet, just Paul de Kock’s little flowers, though the cruel insect was already growing, spreading out in my soul. I have a whole album of memories, brother. God bless the little dears.
Related Themes:
Part 3: Book 8, Chapter 5: A Sudden Decision
Explanation and Analysis—Insects:
Throughout The Brothers Karamazov, Dostoevsky uses many metaphors related to insects. These insect metaphors serve as a motif throughout the novel, generally signifying behavior or attitudes that are lowly or unworthy of humanity, particularly with regard to Dmitri. When Dmitri confesses to Alexei about his disreputable behavior with women, flirting with them but later refusing to get married, he states that:
Unlock with LitCharts A+This game only amused my insect sensuality, which I was nurturing in myself. After five months she married an official and left … angry, and maybe still in love with me. Now they’re living happily together. Note that I didn’t tell anyone [...] You’re blushing; your eyes flashed. Enough of this filth for you. And it’s all nothing yet, just Paul de Kock’s little flowers, though the cruel insect was already growing, spreading out in my soul. I have a whole album of memories, brother. God bless the little dears.
Related Themes:
