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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
Key Examples in The Invisible Man
Chapter 9: Mr. Thomas Marvel
Explanation and Analysis—Sneezing as Motif:
Since Griffin has to walk around naked to be truly invisible, he is at the mercy of the weather. Although the weather gets warmer as time passes in the book, Griffin’s stays in London and Iping are both particularly chilly, so he is afflicted with a cold.
He frequently sneezes, often at inopportune moments when he is trying to remain undetected or appear powerful. For example, in Chapter 9, when Griffin seeks out Mr. Marvel to help him, Griffin sneezes while he is trying to present himself as a “man of power”:
“I’ve chosen you,” said the Voice. “You are the only man except some of those fools down there, who knows there is such a thing as an invisible man. You have to be my helper. Help me—and I will do great things for you. An invisible man is a man of power.” He stopped for a moment to sneeze violently.
Related Themes:
Chapter 21: In Oxford Street
Explanation and Analysis—Dogs as Antagonists:
Antagonistic dogs—or, rather, dogs that antagonize Griffin—appear throughout The Invisible Man. He is somewhat protected from other humans by his invisibility, but because of dogs' heightened sense of smell, he is unable to escape their perception. This motif is particularly apparent in Chapter 21, when Griffin says in his confession to Doctor Kemp:
Unlock with LitCharts A+I had never realised it before, but the nose is to the mind of a dog what the eye is to the mind of a seeing man. Dogs perceive the scent of a man moving as men perceive his vision.
Related Themes:
Chapter 23: In Drury Lane
Explanation and Analysis—Invisibility:
Griffin is literally invisible, so the novel explores the physical implications of invisibility, but the novel also explores the social problem of being invisible—in other words, the effects of being an outcast in society. The main advantage of physical invisibility is impunity. That is, being invisible means no one can pin responsibility on you. Since no one can see the Invisible Man's face, he can commit most crimes without being identified.
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Related Themes:
Chapter 28: The Hunter Hunted
Explanation and Analysis—Dogs as Antagonists:
Antagonistic dogs—or, rather, dogs that antagonize Griffin—appear throughout The Invisible Man. He is somewhat protected from other humans by his invisibility, but because of dogs' heightened sense of smell, he is unable to escape their perception. This motif is particularly apparent in Chapter 21, when Griffin says in his confession to Doctor Kemp:
Unlock with LitCharts A+I had never realised it before, but the nose is to the mind of a dog what the eye is to the mind of a seeing man. Dogs perceive the scent of a man moving as men perceive his vision.
Related Themes:
