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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—What Eyes Harbor:
In "A Thousand Years of Good Prayers," eyes are a motif that serve as a gateway into the characters' thoughts and pasts. One example is when Mr. Shi's daughter asks him whether his quietness in the past was a sign of happiness. The story narrates, “The eyes remind him of her mother too; at one time in their marriage, she gazed at him with this questioning look, waiting for an answer he did not have for her.” His family—Mr. Shi's daughter—already knows the answer: Mr. Shi was lying about his job and affair. But when Mr. Shi sees the questions in his daughter's eyes, eyes similar to his wife's, he is still unable to perceive what answer they look for. But from the reader's point of view, it is clear that Mr. Shi is hiding something.
Another example of eyes being used to show emotion is from the daughter's confrontation of her father. Mr. Shi does not realize the damage and hurt he has caused his family by his lack of communication and lies. The daughter's eyes express her anger: “‘Did she succeed in making you talk?’ his daughter asks, and her eyes, looking directly into his, are fiercer than he knows.’” Mr. Shi grows up with the traditional belief that women should not be confrontational. He remembers his daughter's eyes when she was a girl, quiet and submissive like her mother's. So when he sees the fierceness and directness in her eyes now, it surprises him. His daughter grows up to embody traits opposite her mother's: outspoken and decisive. Communication is how the daughter shows and accepts love, and her questioning can be seen as an act of trying to reconnect to her father and understand his behavior.
Related Themes:
Motifs
Explanation and Analysis—A "Good" Woman:
"A Thousand Years of Good Prayers" explores what is accepted for women in traditional Chinese culture through the motif of goodness. In the story, one example of a trait that a good woman should have is being non-confrontational. The conversation between Mr. Shi and his daughter highlights this belief:
After a long pause he says, "You know, a woman shouldn’t ask such direct questions. A good woman is deferential and knows how to make people talk."
"I’m divorced, so certainly I’m not a good woman according to your standard."
Mr. Shi, thinking his daughter is unfairly sarcastic, ignores her. "Your mother was an example of a good woman."
…
"Your mother wouldn’t be so confrontational."
Mr. Shi’s thinking reflects the traditional Chinese culture he had grown up with. He does not see that his views are based on a culture different from his daughter's. In the traditionalist viewpoint, a good woman is equated to a submissive woman. Mr. Shi's sentiments of wanting his daughter to be deferential and non-confrontational like her mother shows that this submissiveness is only applied to women.
In the argument, Mr. Shi's daughter points out that goodness in Chinese tradition depends on loyalty. This raises another message: a good woman should be and stay married to a single partner. His daughter pushes against this idea with her sarcasm, but Mr. Shi, not being able to understand his daughter's perspective, thinks she is simply being unfair. Both characters' lack of understanding of the other's culture highlights the differences between them.
Another example of goodness appears when Mr. Shi first finds out about his daughter's divorce. Mr. Shi is convinced that his daughter must not be at fault because "She is made for a good wife, soft-voiced and kindhearted, dutiful and beautiful, a younger version of her mother.” Submissive traits again are shown to be associated with goodness. What is noticeable is that this concept of goodness is specific to Mr. Shi's beliefs. His daughter, aside from her sarcastic remark, does not allude to any concept of goodness. Her avoidance of the subject can be seen as a critique of this traditional belief that women should be submissive.
Related Themes:
