Brief Intro
“The Great Escape” is a 1963 classic war film directed by John Sturges, based on a true story of Allied prisoners of war who escaped from a German camp during World War II. The film stars Steve McQueen, James Garner, and Richard Attenborough, among others. With its gripping narrative and iconic performances, the movie has become a timeless piece of cinema history.
Literary Devices Used in The Great Escape
1. Irony
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| The prisoners plan their escape under the nose of the strict German commandant. | Situational Irony |
| The Germans build a new camp to prevent escapes, yet the new camp becomes the site of the largest escape attempt. | Dramatic Irony |
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| Hilts’ repeated attempts to escape and get caught. | Foreshadows his ultimate successful escape |
| The meticulous digging of the tunnels shown early in the film. | Foreshadows the eventual mass escape attempt |
3. Symbolism
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| The motorcycle that Hilts rides. | Symbolizes freedom and rebellion |
| The tunnels named “Tom,” “Dick,” and “Harry.” | Represent hope and the prisoners’ determination |
4. Allegory
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| The entire escape plan can be seen as a metaphor for resistance against oppression. | The struggle for freedom against tyranny |
| The different nationalities working together to escape. | Allegory for Allied cooperation during WWII |
5. Suspense
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| The final escape sequence where prisoners are caught or killed. | Edge-of-the-seat tension |
| The moment when the tunnel is discovered. | Builds immense suspense |
6. Flashback
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| Scenes of prisoners recounting previous escape attempts. | Provides background and depth to their determination |
| Hilts reminiscing about his life before capture. | Adds emotional depth to his character |
7. Metaphor
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| The camp itself as a microcosm of war. | Represents the larger conflict of WWII |
| The tunnels as a path to freedom and hope. | Symbolizes the journey towards liberation |
8. Irony
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| The commandant’s strict rules ultimately lead to the largest escape attempt. | Situational Irony |
| The failure of the Germans to realize the prisoners’ extensive planning. | Dramatic Irony |
9. Imagery
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| The detailed scenes of the tunnel digging. | Vivid descriptions and visuals |
| The stark contrast between the prisoners’ lives and their dreams of freedom. | Evocative imagery |
10. Allusion
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| The escape methods referencing historical events. | Allusion to real WWII escape tactics |
| Characters’ backstories alluding to famous war heroes. | Adds depth and realism |
Character Analysis Through Literary Devices
Character Studies
Hilts “The Cooler King”
| Device | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Symbolism | Hilts’ motorcycle symbolizes his yearning for freedom and rebellious spirit. |
| Foreshadowing | His repeated escape attempts hint at his eventual success. |
Bartlett “Big X”
| Device | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Metaphor | Bartlett represents leadership and determination. |
| Allegory | His character allegorizes the unyielding fight for liberty. |
Hendley “The Scrounger”
| Device | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Irony | His ability to procure items in a tightly controlled environment. |
| Symbolism | Represents resourcefulness and adaptability. |
Character Dynamics
| Device | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Irony | The prisoners’ camaraderie in the face of oppression highlights the irony of war. |
| Allegory | Their collective effort symbolizes the unity and cooperation of the Allies. |
Thematic Analysis
Freedom and Confinement
| Device | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Symbolism | The tunnels symbolize the path to freedom. |
| Irony | The strict control of the camp leading to the escape attempt. |
Hope and Despair
| Device | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Imagery | The contrast between the harsh camp life and the dream of freedom. |
| Suspense | The fluctuating fortunes of the prisoners build hope and despair. |
Resistance and Rebellion
| Device | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Allegory | The escape plan as a metaphor for resistance against tyranny. |
| Metaphor | The prisoners’ struggles symbolize the broader conflict of WWII. |
Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices
| Literary Device | Technique | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Suspense | Close-up shots | Intensifies the tension in escape scenes. |
| Symbolism | Color palette | Uses muted tones to reflect the bleakness of confinement. |
| Foreshadowing | Music cues | Subtle music hints at upcoming events. |
| Imagery | Visual detail | Detailed shots of the tunnels and camp life. |
| Irony | Juxtaposition | Contrasts the prisoners’ resourcefulness with the Germans’ obliviousness. |
Key Scene Analysis
Scene: Hilts’ Motorcycle Escape YouTube: Hilts’ Motorcycle Escape
Scene Breakdown: This scene uses close-up shots and rapid cuts to build suspense as Hilts attempts to leap over barbed wire. The motorcycle, a symbol of freedom, emphasizes his relentless spirit.
Scene: Discovery of the Tunnel YouTube: Tunnel Discovery
Scene Breakdown: The sudden discovery of the tunnel is portrayed with dramatic music and quick camera movements, heightening the tension and sense of despair.
Conclusion
Interactive Multiple Choice Quiz
- What symbolizes Hilts’ yearning for freedom?
- a) The tunnels
- b) The motorcycle
- c) The camp
- Which device is used to hint at future events?
- a) Irony
- b) Foreshadowing
- c) Allegory
- The tunnels are a metaphor for:
- a) The prisoners’ determination
- b) The journey towards freedom
- c) The camp’s strict control