Brief Intro
“Back to the Future” is a 1985 sci-fi adventure film directed by Robert Zemeckis. Starring Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly and Christopher Lloyd as Doc Brown, the film follows Marty as he travels back in time to 1955, where he inadvertently interferes with his parents’ meeting and must ensure they fall in love to save his own future.
Literary Devices Used in Back to the Future
Here’s a look at ten literary devices masterfully woven into “Back to the Future,” with specific scenes illustrating each.
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| Marty accidentally travels to 1955 and sees the “Twin Pines Mall” sign. | The “Twin Pines Mall” sign foreshadows the name change to “Lone Pine Mall” after Marty runs over a pine tree in 1955. |
| Marty’s father, George, talks about his dream of becoming a science fiction writer. | This foreshadows George’s eventual success as a writer by the film’s end. |
2. Irony
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| Marty’s band is rejected by the school dance committee because they are “too loud.” | Ironically, Marty’s performance of “Johnny B. Goode” at the 1955 dance becomes a hit. |
| Doc Brown dismisses Marty’s warning about his safety in 1985, saying “What’s the worst that could happen?” | Ironically, Doc is almost shot in 1985, exactly what Marty warned him about. |
3. Symbolism
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| The clock tower struck by lightning. | The clock tower symbolizes the pivotal moment of time manipulation and change. |
| Marty’s skateboard. | The skateboard symbolizes Marty’s youth and rebellious spirit. |
4. Motif
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| The recurring theme of clocks and time throughout the film. | Clocks appear in numerous scenes, emphasizing the central theme of time travel. |
| Marty’s repeated use of the phrase “This is heavy.” | The phrase underscores the gravity of his situation and recurring shock. |
5. Flashback
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| Marty watches a video recording of Doc Brown explaining the time machine. | The video acts as a flashback, providing necessary exposition about the DeLorean. |
| Marty witnessing his parents’ past. | The entire trip to 1955 serves as a flashback to uncover how his parents met. |
6. Hyperbole
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| Doc Brown’s exaggerated excitement about the flux capacitor. | “The flux capacitor is what makes time travel possible!” |
| Marty’s reaction to seeing the DeLorean for the first time. | “You made a time machine… out of a DeLorean?!” |
7. Paradox
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| Marty playing “Johnny B. Goode” before it was actually written. | This creates a paradox where Marty influences the past with future knowledge. |
| Doc’s letter from 1885 warning Marty about the future. | The letter exists because Marty goes back in time, yet he goes back in time because of the letter. |
8. Allusion
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| Marty dressed as “Darth Vader from the planet Vulcan.” | Allusions to “Star Wars” and “Star Trek” underline the 1980s pop culture influences. |
| The name “DeLorean” itself, referencing the futuristic car design. | Alludes to advanced technology and innovation of the 1980s. |
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| 1985 Hill Valley versus 1955 Hill Valley. | The stark differences in the town’s appearance and culture highlight societal changes. |
| The contrast between George McFly in 1955 and his confident version in 1985. | Juxtaposes George’s transformation from timid to self-assured. |
10. Metaphor
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| “Time is the fourth dimension.” | Time is metaphorically treated as a physical space to be navigated. |
| The DeLorean’s 88 mph speed as a gateway. | Reaching 88 mph metaphorically represents breaking barriers and achieving the impossible. |
Character Analysis Through Literary Devices
Marty McFly
| Device | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Irony | Marty is a typical 80s teenager thrown into an unusual situation, highlighting the irony of his predicament. |
| Symbolism | Marty’s skateboard symbolizes his free spirit and adaptability. |
Doc Brown
| Device | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Hyperbole | Doc’s exaggerated expressions and speech emphasize his eccentricity and genius. |
| Flashback | Doc’s past inventions and failures provide a deeper understanding of his character’s resilience. |
George McFly
| Device | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Juxtaposition | George’s transformation from a timid young man to a confident adult illustrates character growth. |
| Foreshadowing | George’s dream of being a writer foreshadows his eventual success. |
Lorraine Baines
| Device | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Irony | Lorraine’s behavior in 1955 contrasts sharply with her maternal persona in 1985. |
| Symbolism | Lorraine’s transformation symbolizes the impact of choices and environment on one’s life. |
Character Dynamics
Marty and Doc’s friendship drives the narrative, showcasing themes of trust and ingenuity. The relationship between Marty and his parents, especially his father, explores themes of destiny and self-improvement. The interplay between Biff and George highlights the classic hero-villain dynamic, emphasizing themes of courage and justice.
Thematic Analysis
Destiny and Choice
| Device | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Foreshadowing | Marty’s actions in 1955 impact his family’s future, underscoring the theme of destiny. |
| Juxtaposition | The contrast between George’s past and present highlights the impact of choices on destiny. |
Innovation and Ingenuity
| Device | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Hyperbole | Doc Brown’s invention of the flux capacitor epitomizes human ingenuity. |
| Metaphor | The DeLorean represents the peak of innovative spirit and breaking barriers. |
Family and Relationships
| Device | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Irony | The ironic twists in Marty’s family dynamics emphasize the importance of family bonds. |
| Flashback | Marty’s journey to the past reveals hidden aspects of his parents’ relationship. |
Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices
Visual and Sound Techniques
| Literary Device | Technique | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Symbolism | Lighting and color | The vibrant colors of 1955 contrast with the muted tones of 1985, symbolizing the past’s vibrancy. |
| Irony | Musical cues | The upbeat music during tense scenes creates an ironic contrast, enhancing the humor and tension. |
| Juxtaposition | Set design | The distinct designs of 1955 and 1985 Hill Valley highlight the changes over time. |
| Foreshadowing | Prop placement | Objects like the clock tower flyer foreshadow key plot points and emphasize the importance of time. |
Key Scene Analysis
Enchantment Under the Sea Dance
Enchantment Under the Sea Dance
Scene Breakdown:
This pivotal scene showcases Marty ensuring his parents fall in love, crucial for his future existence. The combination of dramatic irony, foreshadowing, and musical cues amplifies the tension and emotional stakes.
The Lightning Strike
Scene Breakdown:
The climax at the clock tower uses symbolism (the clock) and visual techniques (lightning effects) to heighten the drama. This scene illustrates the culmination of foreshadowing and the central theme of time manipulation.
Conclusion
Interactive Quiz:
- What device is used when Marty sees the “Twin Pines Mall” sign in 1985?
- a) Metaphor
- b) Foreshadowing
- c) Hyperbole
- How does the film use irony in the school dance scene?
- a) Marty’s band is too quiet
- b) Marty’s band is too loud
- c) Marty doesn’t play at all
- What symbolizes Marty’s youth and rebellious spirit?
- a) The clock tower
- b) The DeLorean
- c) Marty’s skateboard
- Which character’s transformation highlights the impact of choices on destiny?
- a) Marty McFly
- b) George McFly
- c) Doc Brown
- How does the film highlight the theme of innovation and ingenuity?
- a) Through the character of Lorraine
- b) Through the invention of the flux capacitor
- c) Through the 1955 Hill Valley setting