Keeping Secrets (was Re: CHAPTER DISCUSSION: PS/SS 2, The Vanishing Glass

[potioncat]

No: HPFGUIDX 187775


>From post 187745
Carol:
 But I think that the breakdown or failure of communication is also a persistent motif--withheld
information, misinformation, interruptions just as someone is about to reveal
important information.

From post 187774
Lynda:
She did indeed do a good job of secret keeping. I realized early on that
this was one of the recurring motifs/themes and since I recognized early as
well that DD was a master manipulator, learning his secrets was just part of
the whole story to me. 
snip
I will say I see secret keeping as a theme rather than simply a motif,
however. It's too prevalent too not be a theme.

Potioncat:
So is secrecy/failure of communication a motif or a theme in JKR's work?

Here are 2 definitions from UNC, Pembroke
http://www.uncp.edu/home/canada/work/allam/general/glossary.htm#a

motif (moh-TEEF): a recurring object, concept, or structure in a work of literature
 A motif is important because it allows one to see main points and themes that the author is trying to express, in order that one might be able to interpret the work more accurately. 

theme (theem): a common thread or repeated idea that is incorporated throughout a literary work. A theme is a thought or idea the author presents to the reader that may be deep, difficult to understand, or even moralistic. Generally, a theme has to be extracted as the reader explores the passages of a work
.The ability to recognize a theme is important because it allows the reader to understand part of the author's purpose in writing the book.