His Girl Friday (1940)

Brief Intro

“His Girl Friday” (1940) is a classic screwball comedy directed by Howard Hawks. Based on the play “The Front Page” by Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur, the film stars Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell. The story revolves around a fast-talking newspaper editor, Walter Burns, who tries to win back his ex-wife and top reporter, Hildy Johnson, while she’s planning to remarry and leave the chaotic world of journalism behind.

Literary Devices Used in His Girl Friday

Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Hildy insisting she wants a normal life away from journalism but gets drawn back in	Situational irony
Walter pretending to be supportive of Hildy’s new marriage but actually sabotaging it	Verbal irony

Hyperbole

Movie Scene	Device Example
Walter describing the newspaper business as the most important job in the world	Exaggeration
Hildy claiming that her upcoming marriage is her last chance for happiness	Overstatement

Wit

Movie Scene	Device Example
The rapid-fire banter between Walter and Hildy in the newsroom	Clever dialogue
Walter’s quips about the other newspapers’ incompetence	Sarcastic humor

Sarcasm

Movie Scene	Device Example
Hildy sarcastically thanking Walter for his “support” of her new life	Cutting remarks
Walter’s comments on Bruce’s suitability as a husband for Hildy	Mocking tone

Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
Walter referring to the newspaper business as a “jungle”	Implied comparison
Hildy describing her relationship with Walter as a “battle”	Figurative language

Satire

Movie Scene	Device Example
The portrayal of corrupt politicians and incompetent officials	Social critique
The exaggerated depiction of the media’s cutthroat nature	Parody

Repetition

Movie Scene	Device Example
Hildy repeatedly saying she’s done with journalism	Emphasis
Walter continually calling Bruce “what’s-his-name”	Comedic effect

Allusion

Movie Scene	Device Example
References to historical newspaper figures	Cultural reference
Mentions of famous criminal cases	Indirect reference

Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
Early scenes hinting at Walter’s plans to win Hildy back	Subtle clues
Hildy’s difficulty in leaving the newsroom behind	Predictive hints

Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Device Example
The calm demeanor of Bruce compared to the frantic energy of Walter	Contrasting characters
The orderly life Hildy seeks versus the chaotic newsroom	Contrasting settings

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Walter Burns

Device	Explanation
Irony	Walter’s outward appearance of supporting Hildy’s new life is laced with underlying attempts to sabotage it.
Wit	His clever and quick-witted responses reveal his sharp mind and manipulative nature.

Hildy Johnson

Device	Explanation
Hyperbole	Her exaggerated statements about leaving journalism underscore her internal conflict.
Sarcasm	Hildy’s sarcastic remarks towards Walter demonstrate her frustration and lingering affection.

Bruce Baldwin

Device	Explanation
Juxtaposition	Bruce’s stable and dull personality contrasts sharply with the dynamic world of journalism.
Metaphor	His character serves as a metaphor for the safe, predictable life Hildy thinks she wants.

Character Dynamics

The relationship between Walter and Hildy is the heart of the film, driven by a complex mix of love, professional respect, and competitive banter. Their dynamic showcases how their past and unresolved feelings play out through witty exchanges and underlying romantic tension. Walter’s manipulations to keep Hildy in the newspaper business highlight his deeper feelings for her, while Hildy’s struggle to break free demonstrates her internal conflict and lingering attachment to Walter and her career.

Thematic Analysis

Ambition and Professionalism

Device	Explanation
Irony	Hildy’s repeated declarations of leaving the profession are undermined by her actions.
Hyperbole	The exaggerated importance placed on newspaper stories highlights the characters’ ambition.

Love and Relationships

Device	Explanation
Sarcasm	The sarcastic exchanges between Walter and Hildy reveal their deep connection.
Wit	Clever dialogue between characters underscores the complexity of their relationships.

The Role of Media

Device	Explanation
Satire	The film satirizes the cutthroat nature of the newspaper industry.
Allusion	References to real-life media figures add depth to the critique of journalism.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Wit	Rapid editing	Quick cuts mirror the fast-paced dialogue, enhancing the humor.
Irony	Visual juxtapositions	Contrasting visuals underscore ironic situations, such as Hildy’s attempts to leave.
Sarcasm	Close-up shots	Close-ups capture the characters’ facial expressions, adding depth to sarcastic remarks.

Key Scene Analysis

Scene: Hildy’s Decision to Leave

Watch the scene on YouTube Scene Breakdown: This scene showcases Hildy’s internal conflict as she tries to leave the newspaper business. The rapid dialogue and overlapping conversations highlight the chaos she’s trying to escape, while the close-ups on her face reveal her emotional turmoil.

Scene: The Newsroom Chaos

Watch the scene on YouTube Scene Breakdown: In this chaotic newsroom scene, the frantic pace and overlapping dialogue create a sense of urgency. The use of rapid editing and tight framing amplifies the hectic atmosphere, illustrating the cutthroat nature of journalism.

Conclusion

Interactive Quiz

Test your knowledge of the literary devices used in “His Girl Friday” with this interactive quiz!

Question 1: Which literary device is primarily used in the witty banter between Walter and Hildy?

• A) Irony
• B) Hyperbole
• C) Wit
• D) Sarcasm

Question 2: How does the film use situational irony in Hildy’s storyline?

• A) By showing her leaving journalism completely
• B) By having her get married to Bruce without any complications
• C) By drawing her back into the newsroom despite her intentions
• D) By having her become a politician

Question 3: What cinematic technique enhances the sarcastic dialogue between characters?

• A) Wide shots
• B) Close-up shots
• C) Slow motion
• D) Low angles