Brief Intro
Hal Ashby’s “Being There” (1979) is a satirical comedy-drama that delves into the life of Chance, a simple gardener whose childlike innocence and limited worldview propel him into the upper echelons of society. This film deftly explores themes of media influence, the power of perception, and the emptiness of political rhetoric , all through its unique use of literary and cinematic devices.
Literary Devices Used in Being There
1. Symbolism
Movie Scene Device Example Chance watching TV in the garden Television symbolizes the media’s influence The final scene at the funeral The water walking symbolizes naïveté and faith
2. Irony
Movie Scene Device Example Chance’s simple gardening advice Mistaken for profound economic insights The public’s perception of Chance Contrasts with his actual ignorance
3. Satire
Movie Scene Device Example Political and social elite’s interactions Satirizes the superficiality of political discourse Media’s portrayal of Chance Critiques media’s role in shaping public opinion
4. Motif
Movie Scene Device Example Repeated television scenes Television as a motif representing modern life Chance’s gardening references Motif of simplicity and nature throughout the film
5. Foreshadowing
Movie Scene Device Example Chance’s interactions with Eve’s maid Foreshadows his rise in the new household Ben’s declining health Foreshadows the transfer of influence to Chance
6. Allegory
Movie Scene Device Example Chance’s rise to power Allegory of the American political systemThe garden at the mansion Allegory for the Garden of Eden
7. Paradox
Movie Scene Device Example Chance’s lack of knowledge yet wisdom Paradox of simple wisdomThe contrast between Chance’s persona Paradox of the ignorant being perceived as wise
8. Hyperbole
Movie Scene Device Example The over-the-top reaction to Chance’s Hyperbole of society’s gullibilitysimplistic statements
9. Juxtaposition
Movie Scene Device Example Chance’s simplistic world vs. elite world Juxtaposition of simplicity and complexityGarden vs. political arena Juxtaposition of nature and artificiality
10. Metaphor
Movie Scene Device Example Chance’s gardening advice Metaphor for life and growthThe changing seasons in the garden Metaphor for the cycles of life
Character Analysis Through Literary Devices
Chance the Gardener
Device Explanation Symbolism Chance’s name symbolizes innocence and randomness in life. Irony His ignorance is ironically perceived as profound wisdom. Allegory Represents an everyman character thrust into complex situations.
Ben Rand
Device Explanation Foreshadowing His illness foreshadows the transfer of influence to Chance. Irony His deep philosophical conversations with Chance are based on misinterpretations. Symbolism Represents the dying old guard of American politics and business.
Eve Rand
Device Explanation Paradox Her deep emotional connection with Chance contrasts with his emotional simplicity Juxtaposition Her sophisticated world versus Chance’s simple existence. Metaphor Her nurturing of Chance symbolizes societal acceptance of surface impressions.
Character Dynamics
The interactions between Chance and the other characters, like Ben and Eve, drive the narrative forward by highlighting the themes of perception and reality. The relationship dynamics showcase how societal status and personal biases can drastically alter the interpretation of one’s actions and words. Through these dynamics, the film critiques the superficiality of societal interactions and the often baseless foundation of influence and power.
Thematic Analysis
Perception vs. Reality
Device Explanation Irony Chance’s simplistic view is seen as profound, highlighting society’s superficial judgments. Symbolism The television as a symbol for manipulated perceptions.
Influence of Media
Device Explanation Satire Media’s portrayal of Chance critiques the media’s role in shaping reality. Motif Television scenes recurrently show the pervasive influence of media in daily life.
Political Commentary
Device Explanation Allegory Chance’s rise to power serves as an allegory for political incompetence and superficiality. Hyperbole The exaggerated reactions to Chance’s statements highlight the absurdity of political discourse .
Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices
Visual and Sound Techniques
Literary Device Technique Explanation Symbolism Use of garden imagery The lush garden visuals symbolize purity and natural wisdom. Irony Contrasting mise-en-scène The simple settings of Chance’s life versus the opulence of the elite’s world. Satire Camera angles and framing Satirical framing of characters to enhance their absurdity. Motif Repetitive sound cues Recurring TV noises to emphasize the motif of media influence.
Key Scene Analysis
Scene: Chance’s Introduction to the Rand Household
Scene Breakdown : This scene showcases Chance’s naive interactions and how his simplicity is misinterpreted by the elite. His gardening metaphors are seen as deep economic insights.
YouTube Link : Chance Meets Eve Rand
Scene: The Garden Finale
Scene Breakdown : In the final scene, Chance walks on water, symbolizing his transcendence above the complex world around him. This scene uses visual allegory to cement the film’s themes.
YouTube Link : Chance Walks on Water
Conclusion
Interactive Quiz: Test Your Knowledge on ‘Being There’
What does the television symbolize in “Being There”?
A) Wealth
B) Media influence
C) Freedom
D) Politics
How is irony used in the film?
A) By showing Chance’s wisdom as genuine
B) Through Chance’s ignorance being mistaken for profundity
C) By making Chance an expert gardener
D) Through the elite understanding Chance perfectly
Which literary device is used to critique political discourse in “Being There”?
Answers:
B) Media influence
B) Through Chance’s ignorance being mistaken for profundity
C) Allegory