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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—Egg and Sting:
Eggs, both sterile and fertile, are a recurring motif and symbol throughout the story. Sterile eggs are a gift from the Tlic, as they lengthen human life and relieve pain and suffering. On the other hand, eggs serve as the primary source of pain for N'Tlic. Their bodies, used to incubate and birth new generations of Tlic, represent how the Terrans' autonomy has been invaded and their futures determined for them.
In the following passage, Gan finally accepts his fate as T'Gatoi's mate and receives her egg into his body.
I undressed and lay down beside her. I knew what to do, what to expect. I had been told all my life. I felt the familiar sting, narcotic, mildly pleasant. Then the blind probing of her ovipositor. The puncture was painless, easy. So easy going in. She undulated slowly against me, her muscles forcing the egg from her body into mine.
While giving birth might be extremely painful for N'Tlic, receiving the egg is not. This represents the duality of the relationship between the Terrans and Tlic. Gan describes the procedure as "narcotic, mildly pleasant" as well as "painless, easy." It is evident that eggs can be both the source of and relief for pain. More broadly, the Tlic have the power to both relieve and bring extreme pain to Terrans. Both species depend on one another for survival—Terrans for protection and Tlic for reproduction. The duality of this relationship is demonstrated by the motif of sterile eggs and stinging.
Related Themes:
