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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 3: Looking-Glass Insects
Explanation and Analysis—Puns and Wordplay:
Wordplay, including puns, is a motif in the novel. Wordplay often gives common ideas and turns of phrase new and strange meanings, such as the following exchange in Chapter 3:
“It sounds like a horse,” Alice thought to herself. And an extremely small voice, close to her ear, said “You might make a joke on that—something about ‘horse’ and ‘hoarse,’ you know.”
Then a very gentle voice in the distance said, “She must be labeled ‘Lass, with care,’ you know——”
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Bread and Butter:
Bread and butter appear together as a motif throughout the novel, foreshadowing the nonsensical dinner party Alice must host once she becomes queen. In Chapter 3, the Gnat introduces Alice to the Bread-and-butter-fly:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“Crawling at your feet,” said the Gnat (Alice drew her feet back in some alarm), “you may observe a Bread-and-butter-fly. Its wings are thin slices of bread-and-butter, its body is a crust, and its head is a lump of sugar.”
Related Themes:
Chapter 7: The Lion and the Unicorn
Explanation and Analysis—Bread and Butter:
Bread and butter appear together as a motif throughout the novel, foreshadowing the nonsensical dinner party Alice must host once she becomes queen. In Chapter 3, the Gnat introduces Alice to the Bread-and-butter-fly:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“Crawling at your feet,” said the Gnat (Alice drew her feet back in some alarm), “you may observe a Bread-and-butter-fly. Its wings are thin slices of bread-and-butter, its body is a crust, and its head is a lump of sugar.”
Related Themes:
Chapter 8: "It's My Own Invention"
Explanation and Analysis—Falling Knights:
The Knights who fall off their horses throughout the novel become something of a motif. For example, in Chapter 8, the Red Knight rides in as though he is going to attack Alice, but he falls off his horse at the last second:
Unlock with LitCharts A+At this moment her thoughts were interrupted by a loud shouting of “Ahoy! Ahoy! Check!” and a Knight, dressed in crimson armour, came galloping down upon her, brandishing a great club. Just as he reached her, the horse stopped suddenly: “You’re my prisoner!” the Knight cried, as he tumbled off his horse.
Related Themes:
Chapters 9-10: Queen Alice; Shaking
Explanation and Analysis—Puns and Wordplay:
Wordplay, including puns, is a motif in the novel. Wordplay often gives common ideas and turns of phrase new and strange meanings, such as the following exchange in Chapter 3:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“It sounds like a horse,” Alice thought to herself. And an extremely small voice, close to her ear, said “You might make a joke on that—something about ‘horse’ and ‘hoarse,’ you know.”
Then a very gentle voice in the distance said, “She must be labeled ‘Lass, with care,’ you know——”
Related Themes:
