Effective Use Of The Motif In Makeshift By Kekla Magoon

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In the short story “Makeshift” by Kekla Magoon, the author uses a motif to show it’s important not to complain about what you have. The author does this by introducing a bruise on Kayses's mother after Kayse feels guilty. According to Kekla Magoon, Kayse feels the bruise is alive; “Her cheek is swollen, red-purple. The bruise has a life of its own” (Magoon). The bruise is shown as a motif because it represents the theme. Almost like a living person, it argues against Kayse for being ungrateful and reminds her she left her old home for a favorable reason. This goes with the theme since she feels guilty complaining about what she has although it’s better for her. Magoon mentions the motif again after Kayse says something she regrets to her mother.

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