Coco (2017)

Brief Intro

“Coco,” directed by Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina, is a heartwarming Pixar film that takes viewers on a vibrant journey through the Land of the Dead. It tells the story of Miguel, a young boy with dreams of becoming a musician despite his family’s ancestral ban on music. Through a magical and colorful adventure, Miguel discovers the importance of family, heritage, and remembering our loved ones.

Literary Devices Used in Coco

1. Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
Miguel’s Grandma smashing his guitar	Foretells the family’s deep-seated aversion to music
The petal bridge glowing brightly	Hints at the magical properties of the marigold petals

2. Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
The marigold petals	Represent the connection between the living and the dead
Miguel’s guitar	Symbolizes his passion and lineage linked to music

3. Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Ernesto de la Cruz’s inspiring quotes	Contrasted with his true villainous nature
Miguel’s family ban on music	Despite their legacy being rooted in music

4. Imagery

Movie Scene	Device Example
The Land of the Dead	Vividly colorful, depicting an afterlife full of life
The final concert scene	Lavish visuals emphasizing the climax of Miguel’s journey

5. Flashback

Movie Scene	Device Example
Mamá Imelda’s memory of her husband	Provides backstory and motive for the music ban
Hector’s memories	Reveal his true relationship with Miguel’s family

6. Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
The “final death”	Represents the ultimate forgetting of a soul
Ernesto de la Cruz as a hero	A facade masking his true nature as a metaphor for deception

7. Allegory

Movie Scene	Device Example
Miguel’s journey in the Land of the Dead	Represents a quest for identity and understanding one’s roots
The ofrenda	Symbolizes memory and honoring ancestors

8. Personification

Movie Scene	Device Example
The marigold petals	Seemingly have a life of their own
Dante the dog	Acts almost human-like with his behavior and emotions

9. Motif

Movie Scene	Device Example
Music	Repeated throughout as a central motif for connection and memory
Photos of ancestors	Reappear to signify the importance of remembering loved ones

10. Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Device Example
Land of the Living vs. Land of the Dead	Contrast between the mundane and the fantastical
Miguel’s family traditions vs. his dreams	Highlights the central conflict of the narrative

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Character Studies

Miguel

Device	Explanation
Foreshadowing	Miguel’s determination hints at his eventual breakthrough and discovery.
Symbolism	His guitar represents both his passion and his heritage.

Hector

Device	Explanation
Flashback	Hector’s memories are crucial in revealing his true relationship to Miguel.
Irony	Initially seen as a con artist, he’s actually a loving and talented musician.

Ernesto de la Cruz

Device	Explanation
Irony	His public persona is a stark contrast to his true, nefarious nature.
Metaphor	Represents the dangers of idolizing false heroes.

Character Dynamics

Device	Explanation
Juxtaposition	Miguel’s passion vs. his family’s ban on music creates the central tension.
Symbolism	The ofrenda and the family’s photos symbolize the enduring nature of family.

Thematic Analysis

Family

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	The ofrenda symbolizes the importance of remembering and honoring family.
Motif	The recurring use of music ties the family together, despite the ban.

Memory and Legacy

Device	Explanation
Metaphor	The “final death” metaphorically represents being forgotten.
Allegory	The entire Land of the Dead journey is an allegory for remembering one’s roots.

Identity and Self-Discovery

Device	Explanation
Allegory	Miguel’s quest represents the universal search for identity.
Flashback	Hector’s memories help Miguel understand his true heritage.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Imagery	Visual Design	The colorful portrayal of the Land of the Dead enhances the film’s vivid imagery.
Foreshadowing	Musical Cues	Subtle musical hints foreshadow plot developments.
Symbolism	Set Design	The detailed ofrenda in the Rivera household symbolizes familial connections.
Irony	Lighting	Contrasting lighting in scenes with Ernesto de la Cruz highlights his duplicity.
Metaphor	Animation Style	The ethereal design of the “final death” sequences underscores the metaphorical weight.

Key Scene Analysis

Scene Selection

1. Miguel’s First Visit to the Land of the Dead

• YouTube Link: Miguel Enters the Land of the Dead
• Breakdown: This scene uses vivid imagery and symbolism to introduce the audience to the fantastical world beyond the living.

2. Remember Me Performance

• YouTube Link: Remember Me – Ernesto
• Breakdown: This performance is rich with irony and foreshadowing, revealing Ernesto’s true nature through both lyrics and visuals.

3. Finale – Miguel’s Performance and Family Reunion

• YouTube Link: Coco Finale
• Breakdown: This climactic scene combines multiple literary devices such as symbolism, motif, and juxtaposition to bring the story to a heartfelt conclusion.

Conclusion

Interactive Multiple Choice Quiz

1. Which literary device is primarily used when Miguel’s Grandma smashes his guitar?
   • A) Symbolism
   • B) Foreshadowing
   • C) Metaphor
2. The marigold petals in “Coco” primarily symbolize:
   • A) Love
   • B) Music
   • C) Connection between the living and the dead
3. Ernesto de la Cruz’s inspiring quotes are an example of:
   • A) Irony
   • B) Allegory
   • C) Flashback
4. Hector’s memories revealing his relationship with Miguel is an example of which device?
   • A) Juxtaposition
   • B) Flashback
   • C) Motif
5. Which theme is highlighted through the recurring use of music in “Coco”?
   • A) Family
   • B) Betrayal
   • C) Adventure

Answer Key: 1-B, 2-C, 3-A, 4-B, 5-A