Motifs are recurring structures, contrasts, and literary devices that can help to develop and inform the text’s major themes.

Chance

None of Salvatore's bad luck is caused by his own doing, as Salvatore lives his life doing what he believes is good and right. Fulfilling his military duty gets him sent away from home, inflicted with a permanent illness, and rejected by his first love. Salvatore couldn't have stopped these things from happening, but he also couldn't have planned for all of the good consequences that lined up in his favor later. A woman who could provide him with a boat just happened to fall in love with him. A vineyard just happened to be vacant when they wanted to wed. Even though Salvatore has been burned by chance in the past, he is still open to accepting the happiness that comes to him unexpectedly.

Religion

Religious allusions abound in this short story, starting with the main character's name, Salvatore, which means "savior." Early in the story, the narrator mentions that Salvatore is "full of grace," a phrase that also appears in Christian prayer. Salvatore must go to a church to truly see Assunta, whose name also has religious connotations for its connection to Assumption Day, which marks when the Virgin Mary ascended to heaven. The narrator describes Salvatore's laugh as he plays with his son as angelic. Finally, Salvatore bathing his naked sons in the sea is reminiscent of baptism. All of this religious imagery hints that Salvatore’s goodness may not be random, but rather a divine gift.