MOTIF
A motif, as you read this lesson, is a recurring image, idea, or phrase that acts as a unifying device in a text. A motif can also strengthen an impression or idea a text creator is trying to make or intensify the meaning of the work. One example of a motif in Death of a Salesman is the phrase “The woods are burning”; it draws attention to Willy’s increasing sense of desperation and hopelessness as his dreams come crashing down around him.
As you’ve seen, the following phrases and ideas are more motifs that can be found inDeath of a Salesman. Choose one of them and, in a paragraph or two, show how it’s used to help unify the play. Be as specific as you can.
- the phrase “vital to New England”
- the stress on personal attractiveness and being well liked
- the idea of debts and the phrase “all used up”
- the idea of being “boxed in”
- the importance of planting seeds and having something “in the ground”[unique_solution]
MOTIF
A motif, as you read this lesson, is a recurring image, idea, or phrase that acts as a unifying device in a text. A motif can also strengthen an impression or idea a text creator is trying to make or intensify the meaning of the work. One example of a motif in Death of a Salesman is the phrase “The woods are burning”; it draws attention to Willy’s increasing sense of desperation and hopelessness as his dreams come crashing down around him.
As you’ve seen, the following phrases and ideas are more motifs that can be found inDeath of a Salesman. Choose one of them and, in a paragraph or two, show how it’s used to help unify the play. Be as specific as you can.
- the phrase “vital to New England”
- the stress on personal attractiveness and being well liked
- the idea of debts and the phrase “all used up”
- the idea of being “boxed in”
- the importance of planting seeds and having something “in the ground”