Bringing Up Baby (1938)

Brief Intro

“Bringing Up Baby” is a classic screwball comedy directed by Howard Hawks, released in 1938. Starring Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn, the film follows the hilarious misadventures of a paleontologist and a free-spirited heiress, alongside a tame leopard named Baby. This fast-paced, witty film has become a staple of the genre, showcasing exceptional comedic timing and clever use of literary devices.

Literary Devices Used in Bringing Up Baby

Below are ten literary devices used in the film, illustrated with specific examples from various scenes:

Irony

Movie Scene	Example
David mistakenly wears Susan’s frilly robe	Dramatic irony: David is unaware of how ridiculous he looks, but the audience finds it humorous.
David tells Susan he’s “not a prankster” just before more chaos ensues	Situational irony: David’s claim contrasts with the ensuing comedic events.

Hyperbole

Movie Scene	Example
Susan claims she loves David “madly” after meeting him just hours earlier	Exaggeration to convey her impulsive nature.
Susan’s dramatic reactions to Baby escaping	Highlights her flair for the dramatic.

Slapstick

Movie Scene	Example
David trips over a rock and falls into a stream	Physical comedy, emphasizing his clumsiness.
The chaotic dinner party scene	Various characters engage in exaggerated physical antics.

Wordplay

Movie Scene	Example
Susan’s pun-filled dialogue about bones and leopards	Adds humor and showcases her wit.
David’s fumbling attempts to explain his situation	Highlights his confusion and the absurdity of events.

Metaphor

Movie Scene	Example
David’s missing dinosaur bone	Represents his disordered life being upended by Susan.
The leopard “Baby”	Symbolizes the wild and unpredictable nature of love.

Alliteration

Movie Scene	Example
Susan says, “Baby’s behavior baffles me”	Repetition of the ‘b’ sound for comedic effect.
David’s repeated mentions of “precious prehistoric piece”	Emphasizes his academic focus.

Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Example
Early chaos in the museum	Hints at the ensuing whirlwind of events.
Susan’s initial interest in David	Suggests their eventual romantic connection.

Paradox

Movie Scene	Example
Susan’s chaotic actions bring order to David’s life	Contradiction highlighting the film’s central theme.
The quiet leopard causes the loudest trouble	Contrasts expected behavior with actual events.

Satire

Movie Scene	Example
The upper-class dinner party	Mocks the pretentiousness of high society.
David’s professional world vs. Susan’s chaos	Critiques rigid academic life.

Motif

Movie Scene	Example
Recurring mentions of bones	Symbolizes David’s profession and his orderly life.
Repeated scenes of chasing Baby	Represents the pursuit of love and chaos.

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Character Studies

David Huxley

Literary Device	Explanation
Irony	David’s serious nature is constantly undermined by the absurd situations he finds himself in, highlighting the comedic contrast.
Metaphor	His missing bone symbolizes his lack of control over his life, which is restored through his chaotic adventures with Susan.

Susan Vance

Literary Device	Explanation
Hyperbole	Susan’s exaggerated expressions of love and excitement reveal her impulsive and adventurous spirit.
Slapstick	Her physical comedy scenes underscore her uninhibited and carefree personality.

Aunt Elizabeth

Literary Device	Explanation
Satire	Her interactions often mock the absurdities of high society, reflecting the film’s critical tone.
Wordplay	Her sophisticated language contrasts with the chaos, adding a layer of humor.

Character Dynamics

The interplay between David and Susan drives the narrative, with their contrasting personalities creating a dynamic that is both comedic and transformative. David’s structured life is upended by Susan’s spontaneity, leading to a journey of self-discovery and unexpected romance. Aunt Elizabeth serves as a foil, her rigid demeanor highlighting the chaotic charm of the main characters.

Thematic Analysis

Love and Chaos

Literary Device	Explanation
Metaphor	The leopard “Baby” represents the wild, unpredictable nature of love.
Slapstick	Physical comedy scenes illustrate the chaotic journey of falling in love.

Identity and Transformation

Literary Device	Explanation
Irony	David’s transformation from a serious paleontologist to a love-struck adventurer.
Foreshadowing	Early signs of David’s eventual embrace of chaos through his interactions with Susan.

Social Satire

Literary Device	Explanation
Satire	The film mocks the pretensions of high society through its characters and settings.
Paradox	The contradiction between appearances and reality in the characters’ lives.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Irony	Visual contrast	The serious museum setting juxtaposed with the absurd events.
Slapstick	Sound effects	Exaggerated noises enhance physical comedy scenes.
Hyperbole	Camera angles	Close-ups on characters’ exaggerated reactions.
Satire	Costuming	Outlandish outfits highlight the absurdity of high society.

Key Scene Analysis

Here are some key scenes that significantly utilize literary and cinematic techniques:

The Leopard Chase

YouTube Link: Leopard Chase Scene
Breakdown: This scene combines slapstick, irony, and metaphor. The chaotic chase through the house mirrors the tumultuous journey of love, with physical comedy adding layers of humor.

The Dinner Party Disaster

YouTube Link: Dinner Party Scene
Breakdown: This scene uses satire, hyperbole, and wordplay. The exaggerated behaviors of the characters at the dinner party mock societal norms and highlight the absurdity of their pretensions.

Conclusion

Engage with this interactive quiz to test your understanding of the literary devices in “Bringing Up Baby” (1938):

Multiple Choice Quiz:

1. What literary device is primarily used in David’s character arc?
   • A) Hyperbole
   • B) Irony
   • C) Slapstick
   • D) Motif
2. Which theme is highlighted through the metaphor of the leopard “Baby”?
   • A) Order and Chaos
   • B) Love and Adventure
   • C) Identity and Transformation
   • D) Social Satire
3. What technique enhances the slapstick comedy in the film?
   • A) Lighting
   • B) Sound effects
   • C) Dialogue
   • D) Costuming

Answer Key:

1. B) Irony
2. A) Order and Chaos
3. B) Sound effects