The author of 'Pride' uses literary techniques such as symbolism, imagery and foreshadowing to contribute to compelling story telling in the text.
Throughout the film we are bombarded with subtle imagery of bridges that make their way into our subconscious mind. the author uses bridges to symbolise a middle ground between two worlds or a step forward. the first instance of a bridge comes at the very start of the film. mark has just been inspired by his tv to help the miners, though he doesn't know it he is about to start a journey that will occupy him for the rest of his life. He comes out of his flat and crosses a bridge on his way the to pride march, where he tells mike of his plans to help the miners, giving the story a clear direction.
LGSM decide to head to wales to show their support of the miners, the director zooms out on a wide drone shot to show their van crossing the Severn bridge on their way to Dulais. This bridge symbolises the massive change in culture, LGSM are about to experience.
Upon arrival in Dulais we see a bleak, grey and depressed welsh town the antithesis to the bright London night life. The director uses such imagery to highlight the difference between the two settings and the two groups, LGSM and the miners, yet they are fighting the same war. Despite these differences, both group definitely share some similarities, Gays the word and the welsh community centre are both social hubs for each community and where the majority of scenes were shot. The red brick of the bookshop contrasts with the bleak imagery from the community centre.
In the two texts I have studied over the comparative course ‘Pride’ by Matthew Warchus and ‘A Doll’s House’ by Ibsen, literary techniques are used throughout. Both authors use symbolism and imagery effectively to develop both the plot and characters.
ReplyDeleteSymbolism is in this play from the very start. The play takes place around Christmas time. The image of the Christmas tree is important as it can be used to symbolize Nora. It is a festive object often used for decoration and represents how Nora is seen by Torvald as nothing more than a pretty object to entertain him. Nora is aware of this fact. She admits to Mrs Linde that it is good to have something secret from her husband so when she is 'no longer as nice-looking' she can impress him with it. Nora knows her value to Torvald is on a superficial, materialistic level. Nora also tells the Maid to keep it a secret, which parallels with the countless secrets in her own life, e.g. her hidden debt. As the play continues and Nora's dissatisfaction with her life grows, both the Christmas tree and Nora's mental health rapidly deteriorate.
Ibsen also uses symbolism to develop and showcase Torvald's character. The locked mailbox symbolizes Torvald as a controlling and superior husband. Nora cannot access the mailbox as Torvald contains the only key. The fact that she is not allowed to read his mail shows how much control he exerts and how removed she is from the outside world. Torvald does not recognise Nora as an intellectual person who could be involved with business or important matters. The locked mailbox also acts as a symbol for the cultural context of the play. Women were oppressed during this time and their husbands had a large control over every aspect of their life. Likewise, in ‘Pride’ symbolism is used to develop characters. The image of holding hands is important throughout the text. Initially, Joe is reluctant to be openly gay, as he is hiding it from his family. Throughout the film his confidence grows. In the final scene as the marchers cross the river, they are holding hands. This symbolises unity and friendship. Joe had taken control in this scene, ‘The important thing is that we mention together’ as well as adding to the theme of unity, this symbol helps showcase how Joe has developed throughout the text. While relictant as first, he now understands the importance of friendship and unity.
Perhaps one of the most symbolic scenes in the play is when Nora dances the Tarantella. The play builds up to this climatic scene. The dance allows Nora to show off her passionate, fiery side and drop the act of the perfect mild-mannered Victorian wife. However, the dance also represents Nora's mental state. The Tarantella becomes more fast paced and panicked, as Nora seems unable to control her actions. It allows her to express the fear and panic she feels as she cannot verbally express this. It represents Nora building up to a breakdown as the events of the previous days cause her to rapidly deteriorate. There is a similar dance scene in ‘Pride’, however the dance has the opposite effect on Jonathon. At the start of the play, Jonathon appears lost, and needs a purpose in life. In the small Welsh village, Jonathon dances for the Welsh community. As the dance continues, Jonathon appears to gain confidence and comes alive. Just like in ‘A Doll’s House’ the dance shows off Jonathon’s passionate and fiery side. At the end of the dance Jonathon appears revitalised. While both dances allow the characters to express themselves, and both are arguably dancing for their lives, the dance in ‘A Doll’s House’ is more panicked and leaves the audience with the impression that something has been lost.
ReplyDeleteIbsen also uses imagery very effectively in his play ‘A Doll’s House’ Light imagery is used to add depth to scenes. When Dr Rank confesses his love for Nora, she is disappointed and calls for the maid to bring a light in. This breaks the romantic mood and brings the pair back into the real world. Nora has the realisation that she cannot ask Dr Rank for help after what he has just confessed, as it would be inappropriate. The light not only breaks their intimate moment and represents Nora’s realisation that no one else can save her but herself. A lamp is lit in the scene where Mrs Linde and Krogstad reunite. This light imagery could represent their relationship being re-ignited and the hope for the future. Compared to the rest of the play, this scene filled with hope and love. This is in comparison with the helplessness felt by Nora and the panic in her life.
Doors are also used as a motif in the play. The play opens with the sound of the door opening and Nora appears. In a cyclical fashion, the slamming of the door ends the play, the sound reverberates in the audience's mind as they are left to question the ending of the play. Nora has just confronted Torvald about his treatment of her and decided to leave him to educate herself. She finally leaves the house and the door slams behind her, Torvald is left stunned, and the shut door emphasises the finality of the situation. Nora is gone, and there is no future for her and Torvald. In contrast, Pride uses a motif of bridges. This text also moves in a cyclical fashion. The text opens with Mark striding confidently across a bridge. We are also introduced to Joe as he crosses a bridge in the train station. Bridges are used to symbolise a transition. Mark is just about to found LGSM and Joe is about to begin his transition as a young gay man. The text ends with shots of the group crossing a bridge. They have united the miners and the gay community, just as the bridge connects two different areas. Whereas the door motif in ‘A Doll’s House’ is tinged with sadness, the bridge motif in ‘Pride’ is filled with hope as two communities are united.