Final answer:
Riddles in a novel can serve multiple functions: as a form of entertainment, as symbols for deeper truths, and as representations of cultural traditions. Together, these elements contribute to the overall themes of the story, making the answer 'All of the above'.
Step-by-step explanation:
Riddles can serve as a motif throughout a novel in various ways. They might act as a form of entertainment, providing a playful interaction for the characters or the reader. However, beyond mere amusement, riddles often hold deeper significance. They can symbolize hidden truths, requiring the reader or characters to look beyond the surface and consider deeper meanings or messages embedded in the narrative. In many cases, these riddles can also represent cultural traditions, reflecting the societal beliefs and practices at the time of the story or the culture within which the story is set.
To understand a work's theme, we look at recurring elements—motifs—that are often symbolic and highlight certain ideas through repetition. Whether it's a phrase, location, item, or sound, a motif can lead us to uncover underlying themes by representing abstract concepts such as love, loss, or transition in tangibly repetitive symbols throughout the narrative.
Therefore, the correct answer is d) All of the above as riddles in a novel can serve as entertainment, symbolize hidden truths, and represent cultural traditions, all contributing to the thematic fabric of the story.