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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 113
Explanation and Analysis—Film:
Throughout The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Christopher often relates his mindset and life experiences to film. This motif makes a great deal of sense for his character. Given the anxiety and overstimulation Christopher feels in new settings, film has thus far been his primary medium for experiencing the wider world. He relates to films—especially science fiction films—and uses the medium as a framework through which to interpolate his own life.
In the following excerpt from Chapter 113, for instance, Christopher describes the filmic nature of his memory:
My memory is like a film. [...] And when people ask me to remember something I can simply press Rewind and Fast Forward and Pause like on a video recorder, but more like a DVD player because I don't have to Rewind through everything in between to get to a memory of something a long time ago.
Related Themes:
Chapter 181
Explanation and Analysis—Brains as Computers:
Christopher often imagines his own brain as a computer, filtering various circumstances and thoughts through this imagery. Note the following example of this motif from Chapter 181:
Unlock with LitCharts A+[W]hen I am in a new place, because I see everything, it is like when a computer is doing too many things at the same time and the central processor unit is blocked up and there isn't any space left to think about other things.
Chapter 211
Explanation and Analysis—Brains as Computers:
Christopher often imagines his own brain as a computer, filtering various circumstances and thoughts through this imagery. Note the following example of this motif from Chapter 181:
Unlock with LitCharts A+[W]hen I am in a new place, because I see everything, it is like when a computer is doing too many things at the same time and the central processor unit is blocked up and there isn't any space left to think about other things.
