Previous
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
Act 1, scene 2
Explanation and Analysis—The Role of Language:
Language is a prominent motif in The Tempest. In Act 1, Scene 2, Caliban curses Prospero for teaching him his language:
You taught me language; and my profit on't
Is, I know how to curse. The red plague rid you
For learning me your language!
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Betrayal:
Betrayals abound in The Tempest, ultimately creating a motif. The primary source of conflict in the play is Antonio's betrayal of Prospero and his theft of the dukedom. In Act 1, Scene 2, the audience learns that Prospero valued their bond far more than his brother did prior to the betrayal:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Being once perfected how to grant suits,
How to deny them, who t' advance and who
To trash for overtopping, new created
The creatures that were mine, I say, or changed 'em,
Or else new formed 'em; having both the key
Of officer and office, set all hearts i' th' state
To what tune pleased his ear, that now he was
The ivy which had hid my princely trunk,
And suck'd my verdure out on't. Thou attend'st not.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Authority and Power:
The motifs of authority and power frequently recur in The Tempest. Many characters engage in power struggles for freedom or control. For instance, Prospero treats Caliban with contempt and maintains a distinct sense of superiority as his "master." Prospero also glorifies his own role as a father to Miranda in Act 1, Scene 2:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Sit still, and hear the last of our sea-sorrow.
Here in this island we arrived, and here
Have I, thy schoolmaster, made thee more profit
Than other princesses can, that have more time
For vainer hours and tutors not so careful.
Related Themes:
Act 2, scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—Water:
As the title suggests, water plays a prominent role in The Tempest. It most often appears as a signifier of power or violence. In Act 2, Scene 1, the royals arrive on the island with their garments "drenched in the sea." Gonzalo observes:
Unlock with LitCharts A+That our garments, being, as they were, drenched in
the sea, hold notwithstanding their freshness and
gloss, being rather new-dyed than stained with
salt water.
Related Themes:
Act 3, scene 3
Explanation and Analysis—Storms:
The evolution of the motif of storms (as the play's setting literally goes from dark and stormy to peaceful and calm) parallels the calm resolution of chaos in The Tempest. The play takes its name from the storm that occurs at the beginning of the story. When Ariel transforms into a harpy in Act 3, Scene 3, he references the tempest to Alonso, Antonio, and Sebastian:
Unlock with LitCharts A+You fools, I and my fellows
Are ministers of fate. The elements
Of whom your swords are tempered may as well
Wound the loud winds or with bemocked-at stabs
Kill the still-closing waters as diminish
One dowl that’s in my plume.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Water:
As the title suggests, water plays a prominent role in The Tempest. It most often appears as a signifier of power or violence. In Act 2, Scene 1, the royals arrive on the island with their garments "drenched in the sea." Gonzalo observes:
Unlock with LitCharts A+That our garments, being, as they were, drenched in
the sea, hold notwithstanding their freshness and
gloss, being rather new-dyed than stained with
salt water.
Related Themes:
Act 5, scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—Nature :
The motif of nature functions as a barometer for political and social tensions. It also reminds the audience of the parallel between the uncontrollable forces of nature and those of human emotions. For instance, at the beginning of the play, the wind and waters rage around the island and bring to shore Prospero's enemies. And at the end of the play, Prospero promises them calm winds and placid waters.
Unlock with LitCharts A+
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Storms:
The evolution of the motif of storms (as the play's setting literally goes from dark and stormy to peaceful and calm) parallels the calm resolution of chaos in The Tempest. The play takes its name from the storm that occurs at the beginning of the story. When Ariel transforms into a harpy in Act 3, Scene 3, he references the tempest to Alonso, Antonio, and Sebastian:
Unlock with LitCharts A+You fools, I and my fellows
Are ministers of fate. The elements
Of whom your swords are tempered may as well
Wound the loud winds or with bemocked-at stabs
Kill the still-closing waters as diminish
One dowl that’s in my plume.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Water:
As the title suggests, water plays a prominent role in The Tempest. It most often appears as a signifier of power or violence. In Act 2, Scene 1, the royals arrive on the island with their garments "drenched in the sea." Gonzalo observes:
Unlock with LitCharts A+That our garments, being, as they were, drenched in
the sea, hold notwithstanding their freshness and
gloss, being rather new-dyed than stained with
salt water.
Related Themes:
