Links in the Chain
One way of tying a story together is through the use of motifs. Motifs are incidents, Images, or ideas which appear again and again in a novel. Like links in a chain, they serve to unite a story.
Directions
Some motifs in The Chrysalids are listed below. List four examples of these motifs from the book. Then answer the questions that follow.
Motif
- Death
- Lack of personal freedom
- Cruelty
- Punishment
- Humiliation
- Weather conditions
- Kindness and compassion
- Jealousy
- Superstition
Questions
- Mention one way in which motif 3 is linked to motif 5 in the book?
- Mention one way in which motif 2 is linked to motif in the book?
- Mention one way in which motif 6 is linked to motif 9 in the book?
- Mention one way in which motif 4 is linked to motif 7 in the book?
- Mention one way in which motif 1 is linked to motif 2 in the book?
- Mention one way in which motif 1 is linked to motif 7 in the book?
- Mention one way in which motif 3 is linked to motif 9 in the book?
One Step Further
Review your study of motifs. Then write an essay explaining how three of the motifs below are in some way present at or connected to the climax of the novel.
- Death
- Intolerance
- Punishment
- Weather conditions
- Kindness and compassion
- Devote a paragraph apiece to the discussion of each motif.