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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
Part I
Explanation and Analysis—The Waves:
Throughout "The Open Boat," waves appear as a representation of the randomness of fate. At the level of the plot, the ocean waves are sometimes an obstacle for the men to surmount because they wash water into the lifeboat and cause turbulence. Crane uses a variety of descriptions to emphasize this troublesome aspect. The waves are described like they are vicious animals “snarling.” This description serves to align the waves more clearly with nature as a whole and particularly emphasizes nature's potential hostility to man. Like a growling animal, the waves cannot be reasoned with.
Related Themes:
Part II
Explanation and Analysis—The Waves:
Throughout "The Open Boat," waves appear as a representation of the randomness of fate. At the level of the plot, the ocean waves are sometimes an obstacle for the men to surmount because they wash water into the lifeboat and cause turbulence. Crane uses a variety of descriptions to emphasize this troublesome aspect. The waves are described like they are vicious animals “snarling.” This description serves to align the waves more clearly with nature as a whole and particularly emphasizes nature's potential hostility to man. Like a growling animal, the waves cannot be reasoned with.
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Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Animals:
In “The Open Boat,” animals form a motif, appearing several times as reminders of the indifference and occasional cruelty of nature.
First, a flock of gulls comes to the men of the ship:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Canton-flannel gulls flew near and far. Sometimes they sat down on the sea, near patches of brown seaweed that rolled over the waves with a movement like carpets on a line in a gale. The birds sat comfortably in groups, and they were envied by some in the dinghy, for the wrath of the sea was no more to them than it was to a covey of prairie chickens a thousand miles inland. Often they came very close and stared at the men with black bead-like eyes. At these times they were uncanny and sinister in their unblinking scrutiny, and the men hooted angrily at them, telling them to be gone.
Related Themes:
Part IV
Explanation and Analysis—Seven Mad Gods:
The following passage repeats three times throughout the story:
Unlock with LitCharts A+If I am going to be drowned—if I am going to be drowned—if I am going to be drowned, why, in the name of the seven mad gods who rule the sea, was I allowed to come thus far and contemplate sand and trees? Was I brought here merely to have my nose dragged away as I was about to nibble the sacred cheese of life?
Related Themes:
Part V
Explanation and Analysis—Animals:
In “The Open Boat,” animals form a motif, appearing several times as reminders of the indifference and occasional cruelty of nature.
First, a flock of gulls comes to the men of the ship:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Canton-flannel gulls flew near and far. Sometimes they sat down on the sea, near patches of brown seaweed that rolled over the waves with a movement like carpets on a line in a gale. The birds sat comfortably in groups, and they were envied by some in the dinghy, for the wrath of the sea was no more to them than it was to a covey of prairie chickens a thousand miles inland. Often they came very close and stared at the men with black bead-like eyes. At these times they were uncanny and sinister in their unblinking scrutiny, and the men hooted angrily at them, telling them to be gone.
Related Themes:
