Brief Intro
“Coco,” directed by Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina, is a heartwarming Pixar film that takes viewers on a vibrant journey through the Land of the Dead. It tells the story of Miguel, a young boy with dreams of becoming a musician despite his family’s ancestral ban on music. Through a magical and colorful adventure, Miguel discovers the importance of family, heritage, and remembering our loved ones.
Literary Devices Used in Coco
Movie Scene | Device Example |
---|---|
Miguel’s Grandma smashing his guitar | Foretells the family’s deep-seated aversion to music |
The petal bridge glowing brightly | Hints at the magical properties of the marigold petals |
2. Symbolism
Movie Scene | Device Example |
---|---|
The marigold petals | Represent the connection between the living and the dead |
Miguel’s guitar | Symbolizes his passion and lineage linked to music |
3. Irony
Movie Scene | Device Example |
---|---|
Ernesto de la Cruz’s inspiring quotes | Contrasted with his true villainous nature |
Miguel’s family ban on music | Despite their legacy being rooted in music |
4. Imagery
Movie Scene | Device Example |
---|---|
The Land of the Dead | Vividly colorful, depicting an afterlife full of life |
The final concert scene | Lavish visuals emphasizing the climax of Miguel’s journey |
5. Flashback
Movie Scene | Device Example |
---|---|
Mamá Imelda’s memory of her husband | Provides backstory and motive for the music ban |
Hector’s memories | Reveal his true relationship with Miguel’s family |
6. Metaphor
Movie Scene | Device Example |
---|---|
The “final death” | Represents the ultimate forgetting of a soul |
Ernesto de la Cruz as a hero | A facade masking his true nature as a metaphor for deception |
7. Allegory
Movie Scene | Device Example |
---|---|
Miguel’s journey in the Land of the Dead | Represents a quest for identity and understanding one’s roots |
The ofrenda | Symbolizes memory and honoring ancestors |
Movie Scene | Device Example |
---|---|
The marigold petals | Seemingly have a life of their own |
Dante the dog | Acts almost human-like with his behavior and emotions |
9. Motif
Movie Scene | Device Example |
---|---|
Music | Repeated throughout as a central motif for connection and memory |
Photos of ancestors | Reappear to signify the importance of remembering loved ones |
10. Juxtaposition
Movie Scene | Device Example |
---|---|
Land of the Living vs. Land of the Dead | Contrast between the mundane and the fantastical |
Miguel’s family traditions vs. his dreams | Highlights the central conflict of the narrative |
Character Analysis Through Literary Devices
Character Studies
Miguel
Device | Explanation |
---|---|
Foreshadowing | Miguel’s determination hints at his eventual breakthrough and discovery. |
Symbolism | His guitar represents both his passion and his heritage. |
Hector
Device | Explanation |
---|---|
Flashback | Hector’s memories are crucial in revealing his true relationship to Miguel. |
Irony | Initially seen as a con artist, he’s actually a loving and talented musician. |
Ernesto de la Cruz
Device | Explanation |
---|---|
Irony | His public persona is a stark contrast to his true, nefarious nature. |
Metaphor | Represents the dangers of idolizing false heroes. |
Character Dynamics
Device | Explanation |
---|---|
Juxtaposition | Miguel’s passion vs. his family’s ban on music creates the central tension. |
Symbolism | The ofrenda and the family’s photos symbolize the enduring nature of family. |
Thematic Analysis
Family
Device | Explanation |
---|---|
Symbolism | The ofrenda symbolizes the importance of remembering and honoring family. |
Motif | The recurring use of music ties the family together, despite the ban. |
Memory and Legacy
Device | Explanation |
---|---|
Metaphor | The “final death” metaphorically represents being forgotten. |
Allegory | The entire Land of the Dead journey is an allegory for remembering one’s roots. |
Identity and Self-Discovery
Device | Explanation |
---|---|
Allegory | Miguel’s quest represents the universal search for identity. |
Flashback | Hector’s memories help Miguel understand his true heritage. |
Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices
Literary Device | Technique | Explanation |
---|---|---|
Imagery | Visual Design | The colorful portrayal of the Land of the Dead enhances the film’s vivid imagery. |
Foreshadowing | Musical Cues | Subtle musical hints foreshadow plot developments. |
Symbolism | Set Design | The detailed ofrenda in the Rivera household symbolizes familial connections. |
Irony | Lighting | Contrasting lighting in scenes with Ernesto de la Cruz highlights his duplicity. |
Metaphor | Animation Style | The ethereal design of the “final death” sequences underscores the metaphorical weight. |
Key Scene Analysis
Scene Selection
1. Miguel’s First Visit to the Land of the Dead
- YouTube Link: Miguel Enters the Land of the Dead
- Breakdown: This scene uses vivid imagery and symbolism to introduce the audience to the fantastical world beyond the living.
2. Remember Me Performance
- YouTube Link: Remember Me – Ernesto
- Breakdown: This performance is rich with irony and foreshadowing, revealing Ernesto’s true nature through both lyrics and visuals.
3. Finale – Miguel’s Performance and Family Reunion
- YouTube Link: Coco Finale
- Breakdown: This climactic scene combines multiple literary devices such as symbolism, motif, and juxtaposition to bring the story to a heartfelt conclusion.
Conclusion
Interactive Multiple Choice Quiz
- Which literary device is primarily used when Miguel’s Grandma smashes his guitar?
- A) Symbolism
- B) Foreshadowing
- C) Metaphor
- The marigold petals in “Coco” primarily symbolize:
- A) Love
- B) Music
- C) Connection between the living and the dead
- Ernesto de la Cruz’s inspiring quotes are an example of:
- Hector’s memories revealing his relationship with Miguel is an example of which device?
- A) Juxtaposition
- B) Flashback
- C) Motif
- Which theme is highlighted through the recurring use of music in “Coco”?
- A) Family
- B) Betrayal
- C) Adventure
Answer Key: 1-B, 2-C, 3-A, 4-B, 5-A