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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
Prologue
Explanation and Analysis—Water:
Throughout The Hours, water is a motif that represents both life and death. When readers meet Virginia Woolf in the Prologue of the novel, she is on her way to drown herself in a river, succumbing to the pull of the water during her final moments alive. This instance of the motif is paired with personification:
For a moment, still, it seems like nothing; it seems like another failure; just chill water she can easily swim back out of; but then the current wraps itself around her and takes her with such sudden, muscular force it feels as if a strong man has risen from the bottom, grabbed her legs and held them to his chest. It feels personal.
Related Themes:
Chapter 1: Mrs. Dalloway
Explanation and Analysis—Water:
Throughout The Hours, water is a motif that represents both life and death. When readers meet Virginia Woolf in the Prologue of the novel, she is on her way to drown herself in a river, succumbing to the pull of the water during her final moments alive. This instance of the motif is paired with personification:
Unlock with LitCharts A+For a moment, still, it seems like nothing; it seems like another failure; just chill water she can easily swim back out of; but then the current wraps itself around her and takes her with such sudden, muscular force it feels as if a strong man has risen from the bottom, grabbed her legs and held them to his chest. It feels personal.
Related Themes:
