The Crowd (1928)

Brief Intro

🎬 The Crowd (1928), directed by King Vidor, is a silent film masterpiece that delves into the life of John Sims, an ordinary man with big dreams, navigating the challenges of life in a bustling city. The film is celebrated for its realistic portrayal of the struggles of the common man and its innovative use of cinematic techniques.

Literary Devices Used in The Crowd

Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
John’s climb up the corporate ladder	The climb symbolizes his ambition and struggle.
The busy streets of New York	Represents the chaos and anonymity of urban life.

Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
The towering skyscrapers	Symbolize John’s aspirations and the daunting nature of societal expectations.
The typewriter at John’s desk	Represents the monotony and mechanization of his life.

Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
John’s childhood scene with fireworks	Hints at his future longing for excitement and achievement.
The accident at work	Preludes the tragic events that will challenge his resilience.

Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
John’s high hopes vs. his mundane reality	Highlights the disparity between dreams and actual life.
The celebration of John’s promotion	Ironically contrasts with the personal struggles he faces.

Motif

Movie Scene	Device Example
Recurring scenes of crowds	Emphasize the theme of individuality vs. conformity.
The use of mirrors	Reflects John’s introspection and self-awareness.

Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Device Example
John’s home life vs. his work life	Highlights the stark contrast between personal and professional worlds.
Scenes of happiness vs. scenes of despair	Enhances the emotional rollercoaster of John’s journey.

Pathos

Movie Scene	Device Example
John’s moments of despair	Evoke deep empathy and emotional connection with the audience.
The family scenes	Highlight the tender and vulnerable aspects of John’s life.

Hyperbole

Movie Scene	Device Example
John’s exaggerated expressions of frustration	Amplify the intensity of his emotional struggles.
The grand cityscapes	Emphasize the overwhelming nature of the urban environment.

Flashback

Movie Scene	Device Example
Scenes of John’s childhood	Provide background and context to his current motivations.
Recollections of happier times	Contrast with his present difficulties, enhancing the narrative depth.

Personification

Movie Scene	Device Example
The city as a character	The city is portrayed as an almost living entity affecting John’s life.
The typewriter scenes	The machine is given life-like attributes, symbolizing John’s entrapment.

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

John Sims

Literary Devices and Explanation

Device	Explanation
Metaphor	John’s climb up the corporate ladder represents his ambitious nature.
Symbolism	The typewriter symbolizes the constraints and monotony of his life.

Mary Sims

Literary Devices and Explanation

Device	Explanation
Irony	Her initial happiness and subsequent disillusionment highlight the unpredictability of life.
Pathos	Her emotional struggles evoke sympathy and highlight the familial challenges.

Character Dynamics

Relationships and Narrative

The relationship between John and Mary is central to the narrative. Their evolving dynamic, filled with love, conflict, and reconciliation, drives the story forward. The use of irony and pathos in their interactions underlines the tension between their individual dreams and their shared reality.

Thematic Analysis

Ambition and Reality

Device	Explanation
Juxtaposition	The contrast between John’s dreams and his actual experiences highlights the theme.
Irony	John’s high expectations vs. the mundane reality of his life.

Individual vs. Society

Device	Explanation
Motif	Recurring scenes of crowds emphasize the struggle for individuality.
Metaphor	The climb up the skyscraper symbolizes the daunting nature of societal expectations.

Love and Sacrifice

Device	Explanation
Pathos	Emotional scenes between John and Mary highlight the theme of love and sacrifice.
Symbolism	The home as a symbol of their shared dreams and struggles.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Symbolism	Lighting	Shadows cast by skyscrapers symbolize the looming pressures of society.
Irony	Camera Angles	The use of high and low angles to depict John’s changing fortunes.

Key Scene Analysis

Scene: John’s Promotion Celebration

Watch Scene on YouTube

Breakdown:

• Literary Devices: Irony and Pathos
• Explanation: The scene’s joyous atmosphere contrasts sharply with John’s internal despair, highlighting the irony of his situation and evoking pathos from the audience.

Scene: The Accident

Watch Scene on YouTube

Breakdown:

• Literary Devices: Foreshadowing and Symbolism
• Explanation: The accident foreshadows future tragedies and symbolizes the unpredictability of life, reinforcing the film’s central themes.

Conclusion

Interactive Quiz

1. Which literary device is used when John climbs the corporate ladder?
   • A) Metaphor
   • B) Simile
   • C) Hyperbole
2. What does the typewriter symbolize in John’s life?
   • A) Ambition
   • B) Monotony
   • C) Freedom
3. Which device is evident in the recurring scenes of crowds?
   • A) Flashback
   • B) Motif
   • C) Irony

Answers:

1. A
2. B
3. B