What are the motifs in The Emperor Jones by Eugene O'Neill?

In addition to its treatment of racism, The Emperor Jones focuses on the disintegration of Brutus Jones and his transformation from an apparently self-confident human being to a whimpering shadow of his former self.

When Jones first appears in Scene I and reports on his past, it is clear that there has already been a great transformation for Jones: "from stowaway to Emperor in two years!" he says. He is proud of his transformation and appears to be confident in its durability. When Smithers challenges him, Jones menaces the white trader and says "No use'n you rakin' up ole times. What I was den is one thing. What I is now's another." Jones defends himself against the charge that his transformation has been the result of luck, asserting instead that it has been the result of diligence, intelligence, quick thinking, and careful planning. He wants to be seen as a man in complete control, one whose transformation has put a former and inferior self far behind him. Expressing "real admiration" Smithers says, "Blimey, but you're a cool bird, and no mistake."