Day of Wrath (1943)

Brief Intro

“Day of Wrath” (1943), directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer, is a haunting exploration of love, power, and superstition set against the backdrop of 17th-century Denmark. The film’s narrative, centered around the themes of witchcraft and societal persecution, unfolds with meticulous pacing and a deeply atmospheric style, making it a classic example of psychological drama and visual storytelling.

Literary Devices Used in Day of Wrath

Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
Anne’s secret meetings with Martin	Anne’s hidden desires and inner conflict
The oppressive atmosphere in the village	Reflects the suffocating grip of superstition

Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
Anne’s initial glance at Martin	Hints at their future illicit relationship
The ominous music when Herlof’s Marte is accused	Predicts the tragic outcomes of the witch trials

Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
The church’s dark, shadowy interiors	Symbolizes the oppressive power of religion
The burning at the stake	Represents the destructive power of fanaticism

Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Anne’s accusations turning on her	Irony of her becoming a victim of the same accusations
The village’s piety leading to greater cruelty	The irony of faith leading to inhuman actions

Imagery

Movie Scene	Device Example
The detailed depiction of the witch trial	Vividly portrays the horror and injustice
The serene, yet eerie countryside	Creates a contrast with the dark events unfolding

Allegory

Movie Scene	Device Example
The witch hunt	Represents the broader theme of societal persecution
Anne’s inner turmoil	Allegorizes the conflict between personal desires and societal expectations

Allusion

Movie Scene	Device Example
References to Biblical texts during sermons	Alludes to the moral and religious justifications for actions
The name “Day of Wrath” itself	Alludes to the Biblical “Dies Irae,” a hymn about the Last Judgment

Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Device Example
Anne’s youthful vitality vs. Absalon’s age	Highlights their doomed relationship
The peaceful village setting vs. the violent witch hunts	Contrasts innocence with brutality

Paradox

Movie Scene	Device Example
Anne’s love bringing both joy and destruction	Her feelings are both a source of happiness and ruin
The village’s pursuit of purity leading to corruption	Their quest for moral purity results in moral corruption

Motif

Movie Scene	Device Example
Recurrent scenes of fire	Motif of destruction and purification
The frequent use of shadows and darkness	Motif of hidden truths and secrets

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Character Studies

Anne

Literary Device	Explanation
Foreshadowing	Her initial connection with Martin hints at her future rebellion and downfall
Symbolism	Her character symbolizes repressed desires and the consequences of societal norms

Absalon

Literary Device	Explanation
Irony	His role as a moral leader is undercut by his personal failings and hypocrisy
Juxtaposition	His strict exterior contrasts with his inner doubts and fears

Martin

Literary Device	Explanation
Imagery	His youthful appearance and actions are vividly depicted to contrast with the older generation
Allegory	Represents the conflict between new and old, progress and tradition

Character Dynamics

Literary Device	Explanation
Juxtaposition	The relationships between Anne, Absalon, and Martin highlight generational and moral conflicts
Metaphor	The interactions between characters serve as metaphors for larger societal issues, such as power dynamics and repression

Thematic Analysis

Power and Authority

Literary Device	Explanation
Symbolism	The church and its leaders symbolize the oppressive power of authority
Irony	The misuse of power by religious figures ironically leads to greater immorality

Love and Desire

Literary Device	Explanation
Metaphor	Anne’s secret meetings with Martin metaphorically represent forbidden love
Paradox	Love is depicted as both redemptive and destructive, capturing its complex nature

Fear and Persecution

Literary Device	Explanation
Imagery	The vivid depictions of witch trials evoke the fear and hysteria of persecution
Allegory	The witch hunts serve as an allegory for all forms of societal scapegoating and fear-driven oppression

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Visual and Sound Techniques

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Symbolism	Lighting and shadows	The use of shadows in the church scenes underscores the oppressive power of religion
Irony	Music and sound design	The contrast between serene music and brutal actions highlights the ironic nature of the village’s piety

Key Scene Analysis

Scene Selection

Scene: Anne and Martin’s First Encounter

YouTube Link Scene Breakdown: This scene uses foreshadowing through Anne’s lingering glances and the charged atmosphere, hinting at their future relationship. The use of soft, natural lighting contrasts with the dark, oppressive interiors of other scenes, symbolizing a brief moment of genuine connection and freedom.

Scene: The Witch Trial

YouTube Link Scene Breakdown: The witch trial is depicted with stark, harrowing imagery that captures the horror and injustice of the event. The use of close-up shots on the accused women’s faces emphasizes their fear and humanity, making the viewer question the morality of the persecution.

Scene: Absalon’s Death

YouTube Link Scene Breakdown: Absalon’s death is shrouded in shadows, symbolizing the secrets and lies that have permeated his life. The use of dramatic music heightens the tension and tragedy of the moment, reinforcing the themes of guilt and retribution.

Conclusion

Interactive Multiple Choice Quiz

1. What literary device is prominently used to hint at Anne and Martin’s future relationship?
   • A) Symbolism
   • B) Foreshadowing
   • C) Allegory
   • D) Juxtaposition
2. Which character in “Day of Wrath” symbolizes the conflict between tradition and progress?
   • A) Anne
   • B) Absalon
   • C) Martin
   • D) Herlof’s Marte
3. The use of shadows in the film primarily enhances which literary device?
   • A) Metaphor
   • B) Irony
   • C) Symbolism
   • D) Paradox
4. The witch trials in “Day of Wrath” serve as an allegory for:
   • A) Love and Desire
   • B) Power and Authority
   • C) Fear and Persecution
   • D) Generational Conflict
5. Which technique is used to underscore the oppressive power of religion in the film?
   • A) Natural lighting
   • B) Use of shadows
   • C) Soft music
   • D) Wide-angle shots