The Selfish Giant

by Oscar Wilde

The Selfish Giant: Motifs 1 key example

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—The Tree:

The little boy's tree at the back of the garden appears repeatedly throughout the story. While Wilde doesn't quite foreshadow that this will be the site of the Giant's death and his entrance into divine paradise, the repeated appearance of the tree does suggest to the reader that it will continue to have significance until the story's end.