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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 11
Explanation and Analysis—Spontaneous Verse:
A motif in the book is the sudden interjection of pithy verse into Equiano's narration. In Chapter 11, when Equiano describes how he prevented Captain Baker from lighting a barrel of gunpowder on fire, he uses a verse metaphor to sermonize about the Captain's anger:
I found Him [God] a present help in the time of need, and the Captain’s fury began to subside as the night approached; but I found
That he, who cannot stem his anger’s tide,
Doth a wild horse, without a bridle, ride.
Captain Baker has a temper, and Equiano is used to having it inappropriately directed toward him. In this scene, Baker has been so angry and out of control that he has been trying for over an hour to blow up both himself and Equiano. Equiano describes being on the verge of killing Baker, but prayer helps him remain composed until Baker finally calms down. Equiano uses verse to compare the angry Captain to someone riding a wild horse with no bridle. The Captain, he suggests, has been "riding" anger that refuses to be tamed.
This verse metaphor allows Equiano to efficiently convey a complex point. He separates Baker himself from his anger. Baker, in fact, has been trying to deal with his anger, but the anger itself is bucking him all over the place. Without a bridle to guide the horse (or a tool to tame the anger) Baker has very nearly been destroyed by his wild anger, and destroyed Equiano in the process. Equiano, on the other hand, has been able to ride his own heightened emotions because he has the tool of prayer. While it is not entirely Baker's fault that he could not get his anger under control in this situation, Equiano suggests that he should equip himself with prayer or other tools for managing his emotions. Equiano's verse often contains similar bits of wisdom that he has cultivated throughout his life.
Related Themes:
