1917 (2019)

Brief Intro

“1917,” directed by Sam Mendes, is a visually stunning war film set during World War I. It follows two young British soldiers, Schofield and Blake, on a mission to deliver a critical message that could save 1,600 of their comrades. The movie is renowned for its unique “one-shot” filming technique, creating an immersive and intense experience.

Literary Devices Used in 1917

Simile

Movie Scene	Device Example
Schofield describing the war landscape	“The landscape is like a nightmare.”
Blake comparing the urgency of their mission	“It’s like a race against time.”

Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
General Erinmore briefing the soldiers	“The battlefield is a graveyard.”
Schofield’s reflection on war	“War is hell on earth.”

Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
Blake’s eagerness to save his brother	Hints at Blake’s eventual fate.
The abandoned German trench	Signals danger lurking ahead for the soldiers.

Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
The cherry blossom tree	Represents hope and renewal amidst destruction.
The river sequence	Symbolizes purification and rebirth.

Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Blake dying in the mission to save others	Situational irony of the hero’s journey.
Schofield’s near-death experiences	Dramatic irony as the audience knows the dangers he faces.

Imagery

Movie Scene	Device Example
The opening trench sequence	Vivid descriptions of the war-torn landscape.
Nighttime ruins illuminated by flares	Striking visuals creating a haunting atmosphere.

Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Device Example
Tranquil countryside vs. war zone	Highlights the stark contrast between peace and war.
Schofield’s calm demeanor vs. the chaos around him	Emphasizes his stoic nature amidst turmoil.

Personification

Movie Scene	Device Example
Describing the war machines	“The guns roared angrily.”
The landscape reacting to the battle	“The earth shuddered with each explosion.”

Hyperbole

Movie Scene	Device Example
Describing the enemy lines	“A sea of German soldiers.”
Blake’s description of their mission’s importance	“This mission is life or death for 1,600 men.”

Allusion

Movie Scene	Device Example
Reference to Greek mythology in General’s briefing	Alludes to the Trojan War.
Schofield quoting poetry	References to classic war literature.

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Character Studies

Schofield

Literary Device	Explanation
Foreshadowing	Schofield’s cautious nature hints at his survival instincts.
Symbolism	The photograph he carries symbolizes his longing for home and family.

Blake

Literary Device	Explanation
Irony	Blake’s heroic nature leads to his tragic demise, contrasting expectations.
Metaphor	Blake as a representation of youthful bravery and sacrifice.

Character Dynamics

Schofield and Blake

Literary Device	Explanation
Juxtaposition	Schofield’s experience vs. Blake’s naivety highlights their character arcs.
Dialogue	Their conversations reveal personal motivations and build their bond.

Schofield and the General

Literary Device	Explanation
Symbolism	The General represents authority and the burden of command.
Irony	The General’s detachment contrasts with Schofield’s personal stakes.

Thematic Analysis

War and Sacrifice

Literary Device	Explanation
Symbolism	The desolate landscapes symbolize the devastation of war.
Irony	The futility of missions despite heroic efforts.

Brotherhood and Camaraderie

Literary Device	Explanation
Dialogue	Conversations between soldiers build a sense of brotherhood.
Imagery	Shared hardships create vivid scenes of camaraderie.

Hope and Despair

Literary Device	Explanation
Juxtaposition	Hopeful moments contrasted with scenes of despair.
Symbolism	The cherry blossom tree as a symbol of hope amidst war.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Visual and Sound Techniques

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Imagery	One-shot cinematography	Enhances the immersive and continuous experience of the war environment.
Irony	Sound design	Contrasting peaceful music with violent scenes underscores the irony.
Symbolism	Lighting	Use of light and shadow to symbolize hope and danger respectively.
Metaphor	Set design	The war-torn landscapes metaphorically represent the characters’ internal struggles.

Key Scene Analysis

Scene Selection

Scene: The Abandoned Farmhouse

• YouTube Link: Abandoned Farmhouse Scene
• Scene Breakdown: This scene utilizes dramatic irony and symbolism to heighten tension. The farmhouse, once a place of life, now stands as a symbol of destruction. Schofield’s cautious approach contrasts with Blake’s eagerness, foreshadowing the tragic events to come.

Scene: Crossing No Man’s Land

• YouTube Link: Crossing No Man’s Land
• Scene Breakdown: The tension and danger are palpable through the use of continuous shots and sound design. The barren landscape, littered with the remnants of war, serves as a powerful metaphor for the soldiers’ treacherous journey.

Scene: The Final Sprint

• YouTube Link: The Final Sprint
• Scene Breakdown: Schofield’s desperate run to deliver the message is a masterclass in suspense. The use of a single, unbroken shot, combined with the escalating score, amplifies the urgency and stakes of his mission. The scene is a visual and auditory representation of hope against all odds.

Conclusion

Interactive Multiple Choice Quiz

1. What literary device is used when Schofield describes the landscape as “like a nightmare”?
   • A) Metaphor
   • B) Simile
   • C) Irony
   • D) Personification
2. Which character’s tragic fate is an example of irony?
   • A) Schofield
   • B) Blake
   • C) The General
   • D) The German soldier
3. What does the cherry blossom tree symbolize in the film?
   • A) Destruction
   • B) War
   • C) Hope
   • D) Death
4. Which technique enhances the use of imagery in the film?
   • A) Dialogue
   • B) One-shot cinematography
   • C) Sound design
   • D) Lighting
5. What major theme is highlighted by the contrast between peaceful moments and scenes of despair?
   • A) War and Sacrifice
   • B) Brotherhood and Camaraderie
   • C) Hope and Despair
   • D) Authority and Command