The Function of Motifs and Literary Devices in Modernist Novels, specifically Pedro Paramo, as the Discussion for Thematic Elements (AKA That Time We Closely Read The First Page)

 Within the first chapter of Pedro Paramo, the motif of death and hope is already explored. The heaviness of the protagonist's mother's death almost levels the ghostly attitude of this man, Pedro, that is being spoken of. She speaks of Pedro as, "some call him one thing, some another," implying a similar omnipresence she has on the protagonist after her death. Yet her constant pleading embodies a spirit of hope with a negative connotation--desperation. Later, Juan discusses that this dark presence of his father exemplifies hope, creating a clear contrast between the mother and father, as well as darkness and light, past and present.