6 uses
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1 —4 uses as in:
What is her motive?
Definition
a reason for doing something
- I was not fond of pampering that susceptible vanity of his; but for once, and from motives of expediency, I would e'en soothe and stimulate it.Chapter 24 (83% in)
- You seem to doubt me; I don't doubt myself: I know what my aim is, what my motives are; and at this moment I pass a law, unalterable as that of the Medes and Persians, that both are right."Chapter 14 (81% in)
- It surprised me when I first discovered that such was his intention: I had thought him a man unlikely to be influenced by motives so commonplace in his choice of a wife; but the longer I considered the position, education, &c.Chapter 18 (44% in)
- Well then, Jane, call to aid your fancy:— suppose you were no longer a girl well reared and disciplined, but a wild boy indulged from childhood upwards; imagine yourself in a remote foreign land; conceive that you there commit a capital error, no matter of what nature or from what motives, but one whose consequences must follow you through life and taint all your existence.Chapter 20 (86% in)
There are no more uses of "motive" flagged with this meaning in Jane Eyre.
Typical Usage
(best examples)
? —2 uses
exact meaning not specified
- It did not seem as if a prop were withdrawn, but rather as if a motive were gone: it was not the power to be tranquil which had failed me, but the reason for tranquillity was no more.Chapter 10 (19% in)
- From my discourse with Mr. Lloyd, and from the above reported conference between Bessie and Abbot, I gathered enough of hope to suffice as a motive for wishing to get well: a change seemed near, — I desired and waited it in silence.Chapter 4 (0% in)
There are no more uses of "motive" in Jane Eyre.
Typical Usage
(best examples)