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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 5
Explanation and Analysis—Sexuality and Aggression:
Throughout The Song of Achilles, sexuality, attraction, violence, and aggression are all intertwined. This motif is most apparent in Achilles and Patroclus's relationship: the two often wrestle or roughhouse as a means of expressing feelings of intimacy. Note an example of this in the following passage from Chapter 10:
He let out an ooph of surprise. We struggled that way for a moment, laughing, my arms wrapped around him. Then there was a sharp cracking sound, and his branch gave way, plunging us into the river. The cool water closed over us, and still we wrestled, hands against slippery skin. When we surfaced, we were panting and eager. He leapt for me, bearing me down through the clear water. We grappled, emerged to gasp air, then sank again.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Statuesque Achilles:
Patroclus frequently compares Achilles to a statue throughout the novel, imagining him as a person deliberately sculpted by the divine. Note the following instances of this motif from Chapter 5:
Unlock with LitCharts A+In the moonlight, I could just make out the shape of his face, sculptor-perfect, across the room. His lips were parted slightly, an arm thrown carelessly above his head. He looked different in sleep, beautiful but cold as moonlight. I found myself wishing he would wake so that I might watch the life return.
Related Themes:
Chapter 6
Explanation and Analysis—Youth and Springtime:
In general, throughout The Song of Achilles, Miller uses figurative language and imagery associated with springtime to speak about Achilles and Patroclus's youth. This is a common motif in Western literature, given the fact that spring carries connotations of newness. For example, in the following excerpt from Chapter 6, Patroclus uses simile to compare his friendship with Achilles to "spring floods":
Unlock with LitCharts A+Our friendship came all at once after that, like spring floods from the mountains.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Statuesque Achilles:
Patroclus frequently compares Achilles to a statue throughout the novel, imagining him as a person deliberately sculpted by the divine. Note the following instances of this motif from Chapter 5:
Unlock with LitCharts A+In the moonlight, I could just make out the shape of his face, sculptor-perfect, across the room. His lips were parted slightly, an arm thrown carelessly above his head. He looked different in sleep, beautiful but cold as moonlight. I found myself wishing he would wake so that I might watch the life return.
Related Themes:
Chapter 7
Explanation and Analysis—Statuesque Achilles:
Patroclus frequently compares Achilles to a statue throughout the novel, imagining him as a person deliberately sculpted by the divine. Note the following instances of this motif from Chapter 5:
Unlock with LitCharts A+In the moonlight, I could just make out the shape of his face, sculptor-perfect, across the room. His lips were parted slightly, an arm thrown carelessly above his head. He looked different in sleep, beautiful but cold as moonlight. I found myself wishing he would wake so that I might watch the life return.
Related Themes:
Chapter 8
Explanation and Analysis—Time and Relativity:
Throughout The Song of Achilles, the relativity of time emerges as a motif. When Patroclus is grief-stricken at Achilles's disappearance in Chapter 12, time "fold[s] in on itself," ceasing to progress in a linear fashion:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Time folded in on itself, closed over me, buried me. Outside my window, the moon moved through her shapes and came up full again. I slept little and ate less; grief pinned me to the bed like an anchor. It was only my pricking memory of Chiron that finally drove me forth.
Related Themes:
Chapter 10
Explanation and Analysis—Sexuality and Aggression:
Throughout The Song of Achilles, sexuality, attraction, violence, and aggression are all intertwined. This motif is most apparent in Achilles and Patroclus's relationship: the two often wrestle or roughhouse as a means of expressing feelings of intimacy. Note an example of this in the following passage from Chapter 10:
Unlock with LitCharts A+He let out an ooph of surprise. We struggled that way for a moment, laughing, my arms wrapped around him. Then there was a sharp cracking sound, and his branch gave way, plunging us into the river. The cool water closed over us, and still we wrestled, hands against slippery skin. When we surfaced, we were panting and eager. He leapt for me, bearing me down through the clear water. We grappled, emerged to gasp air, then sank again.
Related Themes:
Chapter 12
Explanation and Analysis—Time and Relativity:
Throughout The Song of Achilles, the relativity of time emerges as a motif. When Patroclus is grief-stricken at Achilles's disappearance in Chapter 12, time "fold[s] in on itself," ceasing to progress in a linear fashion:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Time folded in on itself, closed over me, buried me. Outside my window, the moon moved through her shapes and came up full again. I slept little and ate less; grief pinned me to the bed like an anchor. It was only my pricking memory of Chiron that finally drove me forth.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Youth and Springtime:
In general, throughout The Song of Achilles, Miller uses figurative language and imagery associated with springtime to speak about Achilles and Patroclus's youth. This is a common motif in Western literature, given the fact that spring carries connotations of newness. For example, in the following excerpt from Chapter 6, Patroclus uses simile to compare his friendship with Achilles to "spring floods":
Unlock with LitCharts A+Our friendship came all at once after that, like spring floods from the mountains.
Related Themes:
