Transcendence of the Soul
Abeng includes a motif of souls transcending their physical form. On p. 44, Michelle Cliff describes this counterfactual transition of a soul as "moving outward into space." This motif shows the array of viewpoints shown throughout the novel; in particular, this motif showcases the differences between the mentalities of the oppressor and the people who are native to Jamaica.
Parenthood
Cliff uses the concept of parenting to show how Clare develops into a mature thinker, and she develops an allegory through small indicators such as teasing and confrontation to extend the treatment of parenting to a larger awareness of culture and how families adapt through generations.
Validation
Clare has particular wants which require input from others. For example, Cliff uses the long sentence that "all [Clare] now wanted was for her father to say that she wouldn't be a coward and that he would be brave" to reference earlier desires of Clare's as she grows up and becomes aware that her natural position among those around her is more tenuous than she would have thought (75). The motif of an intense desire for validation establishes the mood of oppression throughout the novel.
Symbol of Daffodils (the Poem)
Clare discovers how little about the art which is shown to her and her schoolmates actually relates to her experiences. Jamaica does not have daffodils, and Cliff uses the symbol of Wordsworth's poem "Daffodils" to show how those around Clare have nothing but an abstract understanding of the visual side of the poem.
Enthusiasm
Michelle Cliff uses enthusiasm as a motif throughout the novel to show precision in Clare's reactions to those around her. Clare often loses focus out of hurt, and moments in which she lacks any enthusiasm for that about which the reader has observed her caring emphasize how nuanced Clare is as a character. Additionally, enthusiasm threads itself in the story and adjusts its pace. Cliff writes this to seem effortless, but the moments of spatial distortion often follow those in which Clare experiences apathy; when she is enthusiastic, the pace of the story changes as well.
Motif of Silence
On the other hand, silence is frequently used in the book to symbolize the erasure of history and voices, especially those of the underprivileged or oppressed. It emphasizes how difficult it is to communicate identities and experiences in a setting that is oppressive.
