Literary Devices in The Conformist (1970) ✍️

Brief Intro

“The Conformist,” directed by Bernardo Bertolucci and released in 1970, is a cinematic masterpiece that delves into the psychological and political turmoil of pre-World War II Italy. The film follows Marcello Clerici, a man who seeks to conform to societal norms and fascist ideologies to escape his own insecurities and traumas. Through stunning visuals and complex character studies, Bertolucci explores themes of power, identity, and morality.

Contents

Literary Devices Used in The Conformist

1. Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
Marcello’s desire for a ‘normal life’	The recurring motif of shadows and light
The scene with the dance in the forest	Use of light and dark to symbolize moral ambiguity

2. Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
Marcello’s conversation with his blind friend Italo	Hints at his eventual betrayal and moral downfall
The flashbacks of Marcello’s childhood	Indicate his future actions and psychological state

3. Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Marcello’s quest to be ‘normal’ by committing atrocities	The contradiction of seeking normalcy through violence
The final scene where Marcello is abandoned by the regime	Illustrates the futility of his conformity

4. Flashback

Movie Scene	Device Example
Marcello’s childhood experiences	Provide insight into his motivations and fears
The scene where Marcello reflects on his past abuses	Adds depth to his character and actions

5. Allegory

Movie Scene	Device Example
Marcello’s entire journey	Represents the broader struggle of individuals in fascist regimes
The dance scene with Anna and Marcello	Reflects the conflict between freedom and oppression

6. Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
The use of architecture (e.g., fascist buildings)	Represents the rigid and oppressive nature of fascism
The scene with the professor’s assassination	Metaphor for the destruction of intellect by fascism

7. Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Device Example
Marcello’s quiet family life versus his violent missions	Highlights the duality of his existence
The serene countryside versus the chaotic urban environment	Emphasizes the contrast between innocence and corruption

8. Motif

Movie Scene	Device Example
Repeated visual of windows and doors	Symbolizes choices and barriers
The recurring use of mirrors	Reflects the theme of self-examination and identity

9. Allusion

Movie Scene	Device Example
References to classical art in various scenes	Adds layers of cultural context and commentary
Allusions to Dante’s “Divine Comedy” in Marcello’s journey	Reflects the moral and existential questions he faces

10. Stream of Consciousness

Movie Scene	Device Example
Marcello’s internal monologues	Provide insight into his conflicted psyche
The fragmented narrative style	Mirrors the chaotic and disjointed nature of his thoughts

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Marcello Clerici

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Marcello’s desire for conformity is symbolized through his interactions with light and shadows.
Flashback	His past abuse and traumas are revealed through flashbacks, providing context for his actions.

Giulia

Device	Explanation
Irony	Her naive and superficial nature contrasts with the dark political world Marcello inhabits.
Juxtaposition	Her cheerful demeanor is juxtaposed with Marcello’s serious and secretive behavior.

Anna Quadri

Device	Explanation
Allegory	Represents the intellectual resistance against fascism.
Foreshadowing	Her fate is hinted at through her interactions with Marcello and her husband.

Professor Quadri

Device	Explanation
Metaphor	His assassination symbolizes the suppression of dissent and intellectual thought.
Allusion	His character alludes to historical figures who opposed totalitarian regimes.

Character Dynamics

Marcello and Giulia: Their relationship showcases the tension between personal desires and societal expectations. Literary devices like irony and juxtaposition highlight this dynamic.
Marcello and Anna: The complexity of their relationship is explored through symbolism and foreshadowing, revealing deeper themes of attraction and betrayal.
Marcello and Professor Quadri: This relationship is central to the narrative, with the professor’s intellectual stance challenging Marcello’s conformity. Devices such as metaphor and allegory enrich their interactions.

Thematic Analysis

Power and Control

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	The use of oppressive architecture symbolizes the totalitarian regime’s control.
Allegory	Marcello’s journey represents the broader struggle for power within fascist societies.

Identity and Conformity

Device	Explanation
Motif	Mirrors and reflections throughout the film symbolize Marcello’s search for identity.
Irony	Marcello’s pursuit of normalcy through extreme measures highlights the paradox of conformity.

Moral Ambiguity

Device	Explanation
Juxtaposition	Contrasting settings (e.g., peaceful countryside vs. chaotic city) emphasize moral conflicts.
Stream of Consciousness	Marcello’s internal monologues reveal his moral struggles and uncertainties.

Political Oppression

Device	Explanation
Metaphor	The professor’s assassination serves as a metaphor for the suppression of free thought.
Allusion	References to historical and literary figures underscore the theme of political oppression.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Symbolism	Lighting	Use of light and shadows to symbolize internal and external conflicts.
Flashback	Editing	Non-linear editing to reveal character backstories and motivations.
Irony	Set Design	Contrasting set designs to highlight the irony in Marcello’s life choices.
Allegory	Costume Design	Costumes reflecting characters’ ideological stances and inner turmoil.
Metaphor	Cinematography	Visual metaphors through framing and composition to convey deeper meanings.
Juxtaposition	Sound Design	Use of contrasting sounds to emphasize thematic juxtapositions.
Motif	Repetition of Visual Elements	Recurrent visual motifs to reinforce themes of identity and conformity.
Allusion	Dialogue	Allusive dialogue to provide cultural and historical context.
Stream of Consciousness	Voice-over Narration	Narration reflecting Marcello’s fragmented and conflicted thoughts.

Key Scene Analysis

Scene 1: The Assassination of Professor Quadri

Link: YouTube Scene 1
Breakdown: This scene uses metaphor (the assassination as the death of intellectualism) and irony (Marcello’s involvement despite his superficial commitment to fascism). The cinematography and lighting enhance the gravity and tension of the moment.

Scene 2: The Dance in the Forest

Link: YouTube Scene 2
Breakdown: The dance scene employs symbolism (light and dark) and foreshadowing (the dance’s choreography hinting at future betrayals). The fluid camera movements and lush scenery underscore the film’s themes of freedom versus oppression.

Scene 3: Marcello’s Childhood Flashbacks

Link: YouTube Scene 3
Breakdown: Flashbacks provide crucial backstory and psychological insight into Marcello’s character. The editing style and visual motifs in these scenes reveal his internal conflicts and motivations.

Conclusion

Interactive Multiple Choice Quiz

What does the recurring use of mirrors symbolize in “The Conformist”?
- A) Political power
- B) Identity and self-reflection
- C) Wealth and status
- D) Romance
Which literary device is primarily used to highlight Marcello’s internal conflicts?
- A) Allegory
- B) Juxtaposition
- C) Stream of Consciousness
- D) Foreshadowing
How does Bertolucci use lighting in the film?
- A) To create a romantic atmosphere
- B) To emphasize the moral ambiguities of characters
- C) To highlight the wealth of characters
- D) To depict historical accuracy
What does Professor Quadri’s assassination symbolize?
- A) The triumph of love
- B) The suppression of dissent and intellectual thought
- C) The end of an era
- D) The beginning of war

Answers: