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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
Part 2, Chapter 4
Explanation and Analysis—The Effect of Adultery :
Anna Karenina is a novel of infidelity and guilt, therefore establishing adultery as a motif:
He knew very well that in the eyes of Betsy and all society people he ran no risk of being ridiculous. He knew very well that for those people the role of the unhappy lover of a young girl, or of a free woman generally, might be ridiculous; but the role of a man who attached himself to a married woman and devoted his life to involving her in adultery at all costs, had something beautiful and grand about it and could never be ridiculous, and therefore, with a proud and gay smile playing under his moustache, he lowered the opera-glasses and looked at his cousin.
Throughout the novel, Tolstoy weaves in the motif of adultery, with Stiva's many affairs as well as Anna and Vronsky’s affair. Adultery is what propels the major plot of the novel, necessitating Anna’s presence in Moscow in the first place. The adultery committed by Anna and separately by Stiva is pitted against society’s gossip and judgement. Yet the story develops the motif with caveats, for a woman having an affair is seen as scandalous and unacceptable, while a man having an affair is just a forgivable fact of life. Vronsky even views his possible affair with Anna as “something beautiful and grand”; meanwhile, Anna faces the guilt and lies of infidelity, divorce from Karenin, and the loss of her son Seryozha.
Related Themes:
Part 2, Chapter 9
Explanation and Analysis—The Inner Monologue:
After accusing Anna of improper behavior, Karenin tells Anna, "I am your husband and I love you." Karenin's proclamation prompts Anna's inner monologue, establishing this device as a motif in the novel:
For a moment her face fell and the mocking spark in her eye went out; but the word ‘love’ again made her indignant. She thought: ‘Love? But can he love? If he hadn’t heard there was such a thing as love, he would never have used the word. He doesn’t even know what love is.’
‘Alexei Alexandrovich, really, I don’t understand,’ she said. ‘Explain what it is you find ...’
This passage demonstrates the novel's frequent usage of internal monologues, in which Tolstoy’s characters think to themselves, particularly while having conversations with others. This stylistic choice allows the reader to hear directly from several characters, essentially instituting a first-person narrative within a third-person omniscient novel.
The presence of inner monologues also creates more drama and dramatic irony in the narrative, whereby the reader knows something that other characters do not. For example, this passage allows the reader to understand how deep Anna's irritation with Karenin and love for Vronsky runs; the two men, however, are unaware of Anna's feelings at the time. Although inner monologues leave no room for curiosity, they do add elements of realism and honesty to the novel.
Related Themes:
