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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—The Color Black:
The color black is a motif in Treasure Island. Black Dog is the name of the pirate who first attempts to steal the treasure map from Billy Bones. The Jolly Roger flag, with its white skull and bones against a black background, symbolizes the violent, chaotic world of pirates and contrasts the red, white, and blue of the British Union Jack flag. The Union Jack, on the other hand, represents order and authority; the pirates remove the Union Jack from the Hispaniola when they commit mutiny.
Related Themes:
Chapter 1. The Old Sea Dog at the “Admiral Benbow”
Explanation and Analysis—Dead Man's Chest:
In Chapter 1, Jim recalls a pirate's tune, which he first hears from Billy Bones, the drunk and frightening "captain":
Unlock with LitCharts A+Fifteen men on the dead man’s chest—
Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum!
Drink and the devil had done for the rest—
Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum!
Chapter 8. At the Sign of the “Spy-glass”
Explanation and Analysis—Animals:
Animals, especially birds, are a common motif in Treasure Island. Birds are associated with pirates—Long John Silver in particular. When Silver first appears in Chapter 8, Jim uses a simile and compares him to a bird:
Unlock with LitCharts A+His left leg was cut off close by the hip, and under the left shoulder he carried a crutch, which he managed with wonderful dexterity, hopping about upon it like a bird. […] Indeed, he seemed in the most cheerful spirits, whistling as he moved about among the tables, [...].
Chapter 10. The Voyage
Explanation and Analysis—Animals:
Animals, especially birds, are a common motif in Treasure Island. Birds are associated with pirates—Long John Silver in particular. When Silver first appears in Chapter 8, Jim uses a simile and compares him to a bird:
Unlock with LitCharts A+His left leg was cut off close by the hip, and under the left shoulder he carried a crutch, which he managed with wonderful dexterity, hopping about upon it like a bird. […] Indeed, he seemed in the most cheerful spirits, whistling as he moved about among the tables, [...].
Chapter 11. What I Heard in the Apple Barrel
Explanation and Analysis—Animals:
Animals, especially birds, are a common motif in Treasure Island. Birds are associated with pirates—Long John Silver in particular. When Silver first appears in Chapter 8, Jim uses a simile and compares him to a bird:
Unlock with LitCharts A+His left leg was cut off close by the hip, and under the left shoulder he carried a crutch, which he managed with wonderful dexterity, hopping about upon it like a bird. […] Indeed, he seemed in the most cheerful spirits, whistling as he moved about among the tables, [...].
Chapter 14. The First Blow
Explanation and Analysis—Animals:
Animals, especially birds, are a common motif in Treasure Island. Birds are associated with pirates—Long John Silver in particular. When Silver first appears in Chapter 8, Jim uses a simile and compares him to a bird:
Unlock with LitCharts A+His left leg was cut off close by the hip, and under the left shoulder he carried a crutch, which he managed with wonderful dexterity, hopping about upon it like a bird. […] Indeed, he seemed in the most cheerful spirits, whistling as he moved about among the tables, [...].
Chapter 15. The Man of the Island
Explanation and Analysis—Animals:
Animals, especially birds, are a common motif in Treasure Island. Birds are associated with pirates—Long John Silver in particular. When Silver first appears in Chapter 8, Jim uses a simile and compares him to a bird:
Unlock with LitCharts A+His left leg was cut off close by the hip, and under the left shoulder he carried a crutch, which he managed with wonderful dexterity, hopping about upon it like a bird. […] Indeed, he seemed in the most cheerful spirits, whistling as he moved about among the tables, [...].
