What are the motifs in Buddenbrooks by Thomas Mann?

Decay is a recurring idea. The novel is about the decline of a family so it is no surprise that one of the major themes would be decay; Mann uses the theme of decay as a leit motif throughout the novel. First there is the color yellow that reappears in important places throughout the novel. This color signifies jaundice and decay. Next there is the obsession that Tony has with honey and hot cocoa. Both of these are sweet and neither food has any real nutritional value. They symbolize Tony's approach to life—sweet but not nourishing.