The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007)

Brief Intro

“The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” is a 2007 biographical drama film directed by Julian Schnabel. The film is based on the memoir of Jean-Dominique Bauby, a French journalist who, after suffering a massive stroke, is left with “locked-in syndrome.” The movie poignantly depicts his struggle to communicate and connect with the world despite his condition.

Literary Devices Used in The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

1. Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
Bauby’s dream of flying in a diving bell	The diving bell symbolizes his trapped body
The butterfly in the hospital courtyard	The butterfly represents his liberated mind

2. Imagery

Movie Scene	Device Example
Bauby’s description of the beach	Vivid imagery of the ocean and sand
The hospital garden sequences	Rich imagery of flowers and greenery

3. Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
“The Diving Bell” as his paralyzed body	Represents the heaviness and confinement
“The Butterfly” as his spirit	Represents freedom and imagination

4. Flashback

Movie Scene	Device Example
Bauby reminisces about his life before the stroke	Provides context and depth to his character
Memories of time spent with his children	Highlights his emotional connections

5. Stream of Consciousness

Movie Scene	Device Example
Internal monologues of Bauby’s thoughts	Reflects his mental state and emotions
Sequences where Bauby recalls his past	Offers a fluid, introspective narrative

6. Personification

Movie Scene	Device Example
Bauby’s descriptions of his eyelid	His eyelid “becomes” a character in itself
The hospital machines “whispering”	Personification of the medical equipment

7. Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Bauby’s life as a fashion editor versus his current state	Dramatic irony in his condition
His plans to write a book post-stroke	Situational irony due to his physical state

8. Allusion

Movie Scene	Device Example
References to historical and cultural events	Adds layers of meaning and context
Allusions to classic literature and art	Deepens the narrative’s cultural texture

9. Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Device Example
Juxtaposing Bauby’s internal world and external reality	Highlights the contrast between mind and body
Scenes of the hospital and memories of Paris	Contrast between confinement and freedom

10. Motif

Movie Scene	Device Example
Recurrent imagery of the sea	Symbolizes vastness and freedom
Repeated use of reflective surfaces	Mirrors and windows as motifs of perception

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Character Studies

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Bauby’s physical state as a diving bell
Flashback	Provides depth to Bauby’s character
Stream of Consciousness	Reveals Bauby’s internal struggle
Imagery	Enriches the portrayal of his memories
Metaphor	His body as the diving bell, mind as the butterfly

Character Dynamics

• Jean-Dominique Bauby and his Caregivers: The relationship between Bauby and his caregivers, particularly his speech therapist, showcases themes of patience, empathy, and the power of human connection. Literary devices like flashback and juxtaposition highlight the emotional bond and mutual growth.
• Bauby and His Family: Through flashbacks and internal monologues, the film explores Bauby’s complex relationships with his family. The irony of his previous neglect versus his current dependency deepens the emotional resonance of these dynamics.

Thematic Analysis

Isolation and Freedom

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	The diving bell as a symbol of isolation
Metaphor	The butterfly as a symbol of freedom

Resilience and Hope

Device	Explanation
Imagery	Vivid scenes of nature and memory
Flashback	Highlights moments of hope and strength

The Power of Imagination

Device	Explanation
Stream of Consciousness	Shows the richness of Bauby’s internal life
Personification	Brings abstract concepts to life

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Symbolism	Cinematography	Visual motifs of the diving bell and butterfly
Imagery	Color palette and lighting	Enhances the vividness of memory scenes
Stream of Consciousness	Editing and sound design	Reflects Bauby’s internal monologues
Flashback	Temporal shifts in narrative	Smooth transitions to past events
Irony	Juxtaposition in visual storytelling	Highlights contrasts between past and present

Key Scene Analysis

Scene Selection

1. Opening Scene (Bauby’s Awakening)
   • Opening Scene on YouTube
   • Breakdown: The use of POV shots and distorted sound immerses the audience in Bauby’s initial experience of waking up paralyzed.
2. Butterfly Sequence
   • Butterfly Scene on YouTube
   • Breakdown: The symbolic use of the butterfly, combined with uplifting music, illustrates the theme of freedom and hope.
3. Memory of the Beach
   • Beach Memory Scene on YouTube
   • Breakdown: Rich imagery and nostalgic music underscore the contrast between Bauby’s past and present.

Conclusion

To wrap up, let’s test your knowledge! Here’s an interactive multiple-choice quiz to see how well you’ve grasped the literary devices used in “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.”

Quiz Time!

1. What does the diving bell symbolize?
   • A) Freedom
   • B) Isolation
   • C) Happiness
   • D) Communication
2. Which literary device is used to describe Bauby’s memories?
   • A) Flashback
   • B) Irony
   • C) Personification
   • D) Allusion
3. The butterfly in the film represents:
   • A) Bauby’s physical state
   • B) His mind’s freedom
   • C) His caregivers
   • D) His past life