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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
Letter 2
Explanation and Analysis—Water and Clay:
A motif in the novel is the use of hyperbole to emphasize the importance of preserving Pamela's virtue at all costs. An early example is in Letter 2, in which Pamela's father warns her to be on her guard and refuse money from Mr. B.:
But we would sooner live upon the Water and Clay of the Ditches I am forc’d to dig, than to live better at the Price of our dear Child’s Ruin.
Related Themes:
Letter 15
Explanation and Analysis—Supervised Writing:
Hints that Pamela is an unreliable narrator are a motif in the novel. One example is the opening of Letter 15, when she apologizes to her mother for cutting off her previous letter abruptly:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Dear Mother,
I Broke off abruptly my last Letter; for I fear’d he was coming; and so it happen’d. I thrust the Letter into my Bosom, and took up my Work, which lay by me; but I had so little of the Artful, as he called it, that I look’d as confused, as if I had been doing some great Harm.
Related Themes:
The Journal
Explanation and Analysis—Bad Names:
A motif in the first half of the novel is Mr. B.'s use of dehumanizing epithets for Pamela. For example, in the Journal, Pamela describes her experience of reading a letter Mr. B. wrote to Mrs. Jewkes in which he used a string of these "bad names:"
Unlock with LitCharts A+The bad Names, Fool’s Plaything, artful Creature, painted Bauble, Gewgaw, speaking Picture, are hard things for your poor Pamela[...]
Related Themes:
The Journal (continued)
Explanation and Analysis—Fainting:
Fainting is a motif in the novel: in the first half, Pamela often faints when she is overcome with emotion and does not have anyone to protect her from Mr. B. Pamela also nearly faints in the Journal (continued), in response to Lady Davers's cruelty:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Come, said she, be comforted; he shan’t fright you!—I’ll try to overcome my Anger, and will pity you. So, Wench, rise up, and don’t be foolish. Mrs. Jewkes held her Salts to my Nose, and I did not faint.
Related Themes:
