Motifs

A motif is a recurring theme, subject, or idea. I think the motif in the book Weep No More My Lady would be suspicion. Everyone gets suspicious in life, for example your best friend is acting strange around your brother, and you become suspicious because you know she is up to something.

Suspicion comes naturally to the characters in this book. Mary Higgins Clark planted suspicion in their blood. Of course, everyone gets to be suspicious in a murder case. Suspicion can lead to terrible things, like suspecting someone is doing something they aren't, and they can become so offended it ends your relationship with them. The characters in Weep No More My Lady know all about suspicion.

"Don't you think Ted killed her?" "It couldn't have been him, I bet it was the agent!" I would have to say the motif in Mary Higgins Clark's book is suspicion.

For example, Elvis Presley's song Suspicious Minds. http://www.lyricsfreak.com/e/elvis+presley/suspicious+minds_20049671.html

Symbols

Symbols in Weep No More My Lady would have to be danger, love, and fear.
This book shows Danger as a symbol, because you never know who is going to get hurt or if that guy is dangerous or not. Danger can be around any corner, so be careful!
Love. Even if it isn't obvious, I believe that love is shown throughout the whole book. Elizabeth showed love for sister as she tried to win the case. The characters in this book care about one another, even if it isn't clear as day.

Fear. Fear of losing someone else is what Elizabeth LaSalle is faced with. She already has lost her sister and Ted, but will she have to lose more as the story progresses? Also, fear of what's going to happen next.

After All, It Is a Mystery!

A conflict is defined as 'to come into collision or disagreement' (see full definition on
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/conflict )

Human vs. Human The first conflict seen in Weep No More Lady is between Elizabeth Lange and Ted Winters. Elizabeth believes that Ted is the one who killed her sister, whereas Ted says he didn't push her sister off the balcony. While Ted and Leila were dating, Elizabeth became very close with Ted, even thought of him as a brother. Leila's death obviously ended their relationship and caused a major conflict between the two of them.

Man vs. Self The second conflict is between Elizabeth and herself. Elizabeth beats herself up all the time thinking that her sister's death could be partly her fault. Also, she begins to feel compassion for Ted but then she remembers what he 'did' and stops.

There are a lot of conflicts in Weep No More, My Lady. Of course, it is a mystery!

Characters

Elizabeth Lange (LaSalle) is the main character in the story, whose sister was murdered. Elizabeth is an actress and loved her sister, currently getting ready to witness in the trial.

Ted Winters is being accused of murdering Leila (Elizabeth's sister). Leila's former fiance wants to prove that he's not guilty, but his attorney thinks otherwise.

Min and Helmut von Schreiber are the owners of the spa where Ted and Elizabeth stay a few weeks before the trial. Min and Helmut are friends with both Ted and Elizabeth but have decided to support Ted in the case.

Craig is Ted's best friend and also a friend of Elizabeth and former friend of Leila. He seems to be very supportive of Elizabeth when he sees her, and also he tries to never let down Ted.

Alvirah Meehan just won the lottery and had always dreamed of going to a spa. Becoming friends with everyone, she becomes a major part of the storyline. Being a busybody, she learns things about each one of them, some of what nobody else knew.

Weep No More Setting

Weep No More My Lady takes place mostly in San Francisco in a castle-like spa.

Elizabeth is invited to a spa by her close friends (her sister's old agent) to enjoy some time before the trial of her sister's murder begins. Imagine a humongous castle, serene, filled tons of people who are enjoying the relaxing spa in the 1980's. It turns out Min (the old agent) invited everyone, including Ted(Leila's fiancee, who is charged with murder), and all of Leila's old friends.

The spa has bungalows where each guest stays when they are staying at the spa. Also, the dining room is a popular hangout for all of the guests, as well as the walking trails provided outside.