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Mood
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 2
Explanation and Analysis—Hero God :
A prominent motif in the novel is the characterization of Anthony Marston as a hero or god from Norse mythology. When he first drives towards Soldier Island in Chapter 2, for example, the narrator states that:
Down the steep track into the village a car was coming. A car so fantastically powerful, so superlatively beautiful that it had all the nature of an apparition. At the wheel sat a young man, his hair blown back by the wind. In the blaze of the evening light he looked, not a man, but a young God, a Hero God out of some Northern Saga.
Here, Christie alludes to Norse mythology, describing Marston as a “Hero God out of some Northern Saga." Later in Chapter 5, after Marston is killed, Christie again characterizes him as a “Norse God.”
“My God! he’s dead.” They didn’t take it in. Not at once. Dead? Dead? That young Norse God in the prime of his health and strength. Struck down all in a moment. Healthy young men didn’t die like that, choking over a whisky and soda…
Marston’s godlike appearance and good health render his sudden death all the more shocking, as he had appeared to be immortal. Further, Christie’s use of this motif suggests that Marston’s sense of morality precedes Christianity, as he is more similar to what Christie considers to be the “amoral” heroes and gods of ancient Norse belief.
Related Themes:
Chapter 5
Explanation and Analysis—Hero God :
A prominent motif in the novel is the characterization of Anthony Marston as a hero or god from Norse mythology. When he first drives towards Soldier Island in Chapter 2, for example, the narrator states that:
Down the steep track into the village a car was coming. A car so fantastically powerful, so superlatively beautiful that it had all the nature of an apparition. At the wheel sat a young man, his hair blown back by the wind. In the blaze of the evening light he looked, not a man, but a young God, a Hero God out of some Northern Saga.
Here, Christie alludes to Norse mythology, describing Marston as a “Hero God out of some Northern Saga." Later in Chapter 5, after Marston is killed, Christie again characterizes him as a “Norse God.”
“My God! he’s dead.” They didn’t take it in. Not at once. Dead? Dead? That young Norse God in the prime of his health and strength. Struck down all in a moment. Healthy young men didn’t die like that, choking over a whisky and soda…
Marston’s godlike appearance and good health render his sudden death all the more shocking, as he had appeared to be immortal. Further, Christie’s use of this motif suggests that Marston’s sense of morality precedes Christianity, as he is more similar to what Christie considers to be the “amoral” heroes and gods of ancient Norse belief.
Related Themes:
