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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 12: Round the Table
Explanation and Analysis—Secrets All Around:
A motif in the novel is Poirot's insistence that everyone has something to hide. He repeats this statement many times, including at a moment in Chapter 12 when he has several of the suspects gathered together:
["]Every one of you in this room is concealing something from me.” He raised his hand as a faint murmur of protest arose. “Yes, yes, I know what I am saying. It may be something unimportant—trivial—which is supposed to have no bearing on the case, but there it is. Each one of you has something to hide. Come now, am I right?”
Related Themes:
Chapter 23: Poirot’s Little Reunion
Explanation and Analysis—Like a Dog:
In Chapter 23, Sheppard uses a simile comparing Caroline to a dog. This simile is part of a broader motif of animal comparisons Sheppard uses to describe Caroline:
Unlock with LitCharts A+We went off, leaving Caroline rather like a dog who has been refused a walk, standing on the front door step gazing after us.
Related Themes:
