The Great Gatsby - 7

"West Egg, especially, still figures in my more fantastic dreams." pg 178

A common motif of this novel is the role geography plays in society. East Egg represents "old money" or the aristocracy. West Egg represents those who are new to wealth and fortune. Those from East Egg feel that  they are superior to the newly rich because their wealth is more established. I think that the valley of ashes represents the moral decline of America. During the 1920's morality and class seemed to lack importance. The society became more provocative and wild. That was also represented by all of the lavish parties that were thrown.These geographical representations helped to express the enormous change happening to American society.

A Raisin in the Sun - 3

"Once upon a time freedom used to be life--now it's money." pg. 74

One of the motifs of this play seems to be differences in generations. In Mama's generation, black people's main priority was freedom. That was what life was about. To them, nothing else mattered. With Walter's generation, they never had to deal with the issue of freedom. They just had it, and took it for granted. Now people wanted money; it was the main priority. Those from Mama's generation cannot see and understand how the people from Walter's generation don't appreciate their freedom. They don't realize that a life of freedom is all they know. This generation misunderstanding still applies today when it comes to technology. People today take their efficient lifestyles for granted because they have never had to experience what it would be like to not use technology. Then those who are from pre-technology generations often refuse to accept the change because they are misunderstanding the purpose of the new technology.

As You Like It- 3

"Truly, shepherd, in respect of itself, it is a good life; but in respect that it is a shepherd's life, it is naught." pg 35

Throughout Shakespeare's As You Like It, there is constant comparison between country and city life. This motif is ironic in the way that each one lends itself to the characteristics of the other. In a normal realm of thinking, the city would be thought of as hardworking and peaceful and the country as lazy and savage. However, in this play, the city is portrayed as a combative and lazy place. There are brawls in the streets, and there is entitlement in positions. In the country, people are hardworking and respectful if each other. For people that live in the city, city life is ideal, and for those that live in the country, country life is ideal. Those that prefer the city feel that country life is dirty, lonely, and improper. But, what these city people fail to realize is that the customs of the city do not fit in with the country lifestyle, and vice verse.

Never Let Me Go 10

"The point about Chrissie--and this applied to a lot of the veterans--was that for all her slightly patronising manner towards us when we'd first arrived, she was awestruck about our being from Hailsham." pg. 145

This motif that the Hailsham students are "special" must have a deeper meaning than I thought. Originally, I knew that Hailsham was a special place, but didn't know why. Later I learned that these students were created to donate their vital organs. That's why they were special. So, as I kept reading, I assumed that all people raised to donate their organs, like the rest of the people at the Cottages, were special too. But, according to the quote above, it seems that Hailsham in particular is more prestigious and special than any of the other places, if there are other places. I wonder why that is. Could it be that the Hailsham students are clones of more powerful and influential people? Or is it just the luck of the draw where the clones are raised? I am really curious as to why Hailsham is so highly regarded, and why they would be any more special than the rest of the clones. What is so different about Hailsham?