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
Motifs
Explanation and Analysis—Positive Race Relations:
Throughout Up from Slavery, Washington describes moments in which he has unexpectedly positive interactions with white people, forming a motif. This motif illustrates the existence and future promise of positive race relations. For example, Washington hears that Mrs. Viola Ruffner is going to be a very strict boss, but he respects her for her high standards and goes on to consider her “one of [his] best friends.” Years later, Washington asks a white ship captain to pay him a day’s work when he has run out of money while traveling and describes the man as “kind-hearted” in his decision to hire him.
Related Themes:
Chapter 3: The Struggle for an Education
Explanation and Analysis—Cleaning:
Cleaning shows up several times throughout Up from Slavery, forming a motif that shows how Washington came to value the dignity of labor over the course of his life. For example, in Chapter 3, when Washington is trying to earn money in order to be able to attend the Hampton Institute, he accepts a job with Mrs. Viola Ruffner, who had such high expectations that she fired every servant she’d previously employed after just a couple weeks. Rather than resent her for these standards, Washington respects and appreciates her, coming to value cleanliness the same way that she does:
Unlock with LitCharts A+The lessons that I learned in the home of Mrs. Ruffner were as valuable to me as any education I have ever gotten anywhere since. Even to this day I never see bits of paper scattered around a house or in the street that I do not want to pick them up at once. I never see a filthy yard that I do not want to clean it, a paling off of a fence that I do not want to put it on, an unpainted or unwhitewashed house that I do not want to paint or whitewash it.
Related Themes:
Chapter 4: Helping Others
Explanation and Analysis—Cleaning:
Cleaning shows up several times throughout Up from Slavery, forming a motif that shows how Washington came to value the dignity of labor over the course of his life. For example, in Chapter 3, when Washington is trying to earn money in order to be able to attend the Hampton Institute, he accepts a job with Mrs. Viola Ruffner, who had such high expectations that she fired every servant she’d previously employed after just a couple weeks. Rather than resent her for these standards, Washington respects and appreciates her, coming to value cleanliness the same way that she does:
Unlock with LitCharts A+The lessons that I learned in the home of Mrs. Ruffner were as valuable to me as any education I have ever gotten anywhere since. Even to this day I never see bits of paper scattered around a house or in the street that I do not want to pick them up at once. I never see a filthy yard that I do not want to clean it, a paling off of a fence that I do not want to put it on, an unpainted or unwhitewashed house that I do not want to paint or whitewash it.
Related Themes:
