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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
Motifs
Explanation and Analysis—Unhappy Marriages:
Unhappy marriages show up throughout The Portrait of a Lady, forming a motif. Isabel and Osmond’s marriage is the central example of this; Osmond treats Isabel as if she is just another one of his beautiful pieces of art (an object that exists for him and him alone) while she becomes depressed and embittered, losing her individualism and spark for life.
Related Themes:
Motifs
Explanation and Analysis—Secrets:
Secrets are scattered through The Portrait of a Lady, forming a motif. The American-bred characters—who, on the whole, are franker and more prone to divulging—keep some secrets, but they are mainly harmless. An example of this is Henrietta hiding from Isabel that she told Goodwood where Isabel was staying so that he could come find her and try to convince her to come home to the United States. When Isabel finds out about this, she explicitly states, “I don’t like such surprises,” but she is easily able to tell Goodwood to leave before going on with her regular life.
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Related Themes:
