What are the motifs in This Boy's Life by Tobias Wolff?

Denial is a motif for every main character in the novel. The three main characters, Rosemary, Toby and Dwight use denial as a coping mechanism. Rosemary denies her life's reality and personal responsibly. She refuses to take responsibility for the bad decisions she's made. These decisions have a negative impact on both her and Toby. Rosemary denies her reality by ignoring facts and living in a fantasy world. She refuses to see what's happening around her until it's too late.