The 39 Steps (1935)

Brief Intro

“The 39 Steps,” directed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1935, is a classic British thriller that masterfully blends suspense, intrigue, and wit. Based on John Buchan’s novel, it follows Richard Hannay, who becomes entangled in a spy conspiracy after a chance encounter. The film is celebrated for its clever use of literary devices, character development, and innovative cinematic techniques.

Literary Devices Used in The 39 Steps

1. Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Mr. Memory’s final revelation in the theater	Dramatic irony: The audience knows Mr. Memory’s importance before Hannay does.
The police chasing Hannay even though he’s innocent	Situational irony: Hannay, a civilian, is chased by the police instead of being protected by them.

2. Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
The map of Scotland Hannay uses	Symbolizes Hannay’s journey and the broader chase for truth.
The handcuffs linking Hannay and Pamela	Symbolize their forced alliance and evolving relationship.

3. Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
Annabella’s warning to Hannay	Foreshadows the danger and espionage plot he will encounter.
The initial appearance of Mr. Memory	Hints at his later crucial role in the espionage plot.

4. Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
The “steps” in the title	Metaphor for the stages of Hannay’s journey and the complexity of the plot.
The Scottish Highlands chase	Represents the unpredictable and wild nature of Hannay’s predicament.

5. Allusion

Movie Scene	Device Example
References to World War I	Allude to the political tensions and espionage activities of the time.
The vaudeville performance scene	Alludes to popular entertainment culture of the 1930s.

6. Allegory

Movie Scene	Device Example
Hannay’s journey	Allegory for the fight between good and evil, and the quest for truth.
The spy network	Represents the hidden threats and complexities of pre-WWII geopolitics.

7. Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Device Example
The peaceful countryside vs. the chase	Highlights the stark contrast between normalcy and the chaos Hannay is thrust into.
Hannay’s calm demeanor vs. the frantic police chase	Juxtaposes Hannay’s collected nature against the urgency and chaos of his situation.

8. Motif

Movie Scene	Device Example
The recurring symbol of the “39 Steps”	Motif representing the central mystery and ongoing suspense.
The use of maps and travel	Motif illustrating Hannay’s constant movement and pursuit of the truth.

9. Flashback

Movie Scene	Device Example
Hannay’s recollection of Annabella’s murder	Flashback to explain his current predicament and motivations.
Memory sequences of key conversations	Provide context and deepen understanding of the plot’s development.

10. Suspense

Movie Scene	Device Example
The climax at the London Palladium	Builds intense suspense as Hannay tries to uncover the truth and escape capture.
The train chase scene	Maintains high tension with rapid pacing and uncertainty about Hannay’s fate.

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Richard Hannay

Device	Explanation
Irony	Hannay is an ordinary man thrust into extraordinary circumstances.
Foreshadowing	Early warnings hint at his role as an unwilling hero.
Symbolism	His journey symbolizes the search for truth and justice.

Pamela

Device	Explanation
Juxtaposition	Her initial reluctance contrasts with her eventual alliance with Hannay.
Irony	She ends up helping Hannay despite her initial skepticism.
Symbolism	Their handcuffed journey symbolizes the bond that forms under pressure.

Mr. Memory

Device	Explanation
Irony	His encyclopedic memory is both his gift and his downfall.
Symbolism	Represents the power and danger of knowledge.
Foreshadowing	Early scenes hint at his importance to the plot’s resolution.

Character Dynamics

The relationships between Hannay and Pamela, Hannay and Mr. Memory, and the antagonists drive the narrative forward. The evolving dynamics highlight themes of trust, betrayal, and the unexpected alliances formed under duress. These interactions deepen the plot and enrich the character development, emphasizing the tension and complexity of human connections.

Thematic Analysis

Trust and Betrayal

Device	Explanation
Irony	Characters often deceive or betray each other, complicating trust.
Symbolism	Handcuffs symbolize enforced trust and reluctant alliances.

The Search for Truth

Device	Explanation
Metaphor	Hannay’s journey as a metaphor for uncovering hidden truths.
Motif	Repeated use of maps and directions symbolizes the quest for answers.

The Everyman Hero

Device	Explanation
Irony	An ordinary man becomes an extraordinary hero.
Foreshadowing	Early events hint at Hannay’s hidden potential for heroism.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Suspense	Close-up shots	Heighten tension by focusing on characters’ expressions.
Irony	Lighting contrasts	Use of shadows and light to emphasize ironic situations and dualities.
Symbolism	Visual motifs	Recurring images like maps and handcuffs to reinforce symbolic meanings.
Juxtaposition	Editing transitions	Sharp cuts between peaceful and chaotic scenes to highlight contrasts.
Metaphor	Visual allegories	Use of landscapes and settings to represent broader themes and character journeys.

Key Scene Analysis

Scene Selection: Hannay’s Escape on the Train

YouTube Link: Hannay’s Train Escape
Scene Breakdown: This scene is a masterclass in building suspense and showcasing Hannay’s resourcefulness. The fast-paced editing, dynamic camera angles, and use of tight spaces enhance the tension. The train symbolizes Hannay’s journey and constant movement towards uncovering the truth. The interplay of light and shadow adds to the sense of danger and urgency.

Scene Selection: The Climax at the London Palladium

YouTube Link: London Palladium Climax
Scene Breakdown: In this climactic scene, Hitchcock expertly combines visual and auditory elements to heighten suspense. The setting of the Palladium, with its grandeur and crowds, contrasts with the intimate and dangerous secret being revealed. Mr. Memory’s final revelation ties together the film’s themes of knowledge and sacrifice.

Conclusion

Engage with our interactive quiz to test your understanding of the literary devices used in “The 39 Steps.”

Multiple Choice Quiz

1. What literary device is primarily used to create suspense in “The 39 Steps”?
   • A) Symbolism
   • B) Irony
   • C) Foreshadowing
   • D) Juxtaposition
2. Which character symbolizes the danger of possessing too much knowledge?
   • A) Richard Hannay
   • B) Pamela
   • C) Mr. Memory
   • D) The antagonists
3. What do the handcuffs between Hannay and Pamela symbolize?
   • A) Love
   • B) Trust
   • C) Forced alliance
   • D) Betrayal
4. How does Hitchcock use lighting to enhance irony in the film?
   • A) Through dark shadows
   • B) With bright lights
   • C) Using contrasts
   • D) By natural lighting
5. What is the significance of the train scenes in the film?
   • A) They symbolize Hannay’s journey.
   • B) They are used for comic relief.
   • C) They represent the end of the chase.
   • D) They highlight the theme of betrayal.