White Feathers as a Symbol of Cowardice
White feathers are used in the text as a symbol of cowardice after the tradition of cockfighting and the belief that cockerels with white feathers are inferior cross-breeds. Similarly, Feversham is offered the white feathers as a token of his cowardice and a sign of the inferiority of his character in terms of courage and manhood when compared to the other officers who marched towards battle without flinching.
Lennon House as a Motif
Lennon house is the estate owned by Ethne’s family. It is depicted as a beautiful and pleasant place in a manner quite symbolic of its withdrawn and removed location from all that regards the empire and the war. Not only does Feversham find in this house the love of his life, but he also finds in it the peace he much desires and the meaning long sought for. In such a manner, the author uses Lennon house as motif to develop the theme regarding imperialism and its insignificance by highlighting the beauty of a life led so far from anything related to it.
The Four Feathers as a Motif for Prejudice
The four white feathers are used as a motif to develop the theme of prejudice in the text. The source of all evil in Harry’s life comes from such intolerance. Unable to understand his reasons, Feversham’s fellow officers hasten to pronounce him a coward and ruin his reputation. The same happens with Ethne, who instead of asking questions and giving her intended her full trust, was also precipitated in her judgment of his character. Thus, the feathers stand for the fatality of prejudice in society. Just like feathers, prejudice is so light, and yet its impact is strong enough to wreck havoc in people’s lives.
Rifles as a Motif
Throughout the book, cowardice is attributed to a lack of masculinity, and masculinity is closely linked to military service and the sacrifices made for one’s country. Thus positing these elements, the author communicates the rigid notions of his society concerning the norms of masculinity by means of multiple motifs such as rifles. In the scene following the escape from Omdurman’s jail, Captain Trench seems to regain his lost dignity and value as a man and a fighter the moment his, “fingers touched the lock and trigger of a rifle.” It is at this precise moment that, “he became man again.” This quote highlights the closeness between fighting and manliness according to late 19th century societal norms. Thus, riffles are used as a motif to develop this idea.
The Fourth Feather as a Motif of Forgiveness
The feathers offered to Harry Feversham are very important when it comes to the development of the plot and its themes. The Fourth feather in particular, namely that given by Ethne Eustace, is very significant, for it stands for more than one thing. From the one hand, it represents the prejudice with which the rumor about Feversham’s cowardice was received. But from the other, it stands for repentance and forgiveness. Ethne came to realize the wrong she did and repent the mistake she made. Harry forgot and forgave and held this fourth feather as the emblem, not of his cowardice, but of the value of all what he loved and almost lost for good.
