Question

We saw and discussed how the Resurrection/ transformation motif presents itself in Doris Lessing's Through the Tunnel and Richard Wright's Big Boy Leaves Home. Authors constantly re-tell this motif because it plays out in real life. In literary terms, explain the resurrection motif, also known as the transformation motif. Explain how readers might benefit from constantly re-reading this motif?

Answer 1

• Transformation is one of the most prominent motifs in literature and story telling.
• An animal, a thing or an individual changes its initial form and appears in a new form here.
• It can be used as an effective motif to discuss issues and events related to identity.
• Religious writings often have multiple instances of transformation or resurrection and its main objective is to reinforce values or impart significant teachings.
• Folklore is also enriched with many examples of transformation which serves the purpose of giving the story an amusing end.