It Happened One Night (1934)

Brief Intro

“It Happened One Night,” directed by Frank Capra and released in 1934, is a romantic comedy that has stood the test of time. The film tells the story of a spoiled heiress, Ellie Andrews, who runs away from her controlling father and ends up being helped by a cynical, down-on-his-luck reporter, Peter Warne. As they embark on a road trip filled with misadventures, they gradually fall in love. The movie is celebrated for its sharp dialogue, charming performances, and clever use of literary devices.

Literary Devices Used in It Happened One Night

1. Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Ellie demands special treatment but ends up relying on Peter’s help.	Situational Irony
Peter’s mocking of Ellie’s inexperience with hitchhiking.	Verbal Irony

2. Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
Peter joking about marrying Ellie.	Foreshadowing their eventual romance
The Walls of Jericho blanket barrier.	Hinting at the barriers in their relationship breaking down

3. Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
The Walls of Jericho blanket.	Symbolizes the emotional barrier between Peter and Ellie
Ellie’s clothes being stolen.	Represents her shedding of old life and privilege

4. Satire

Movie Scene	Device Example
Ellie’s pampered lifestyle.	Satirizes the wealthy elite
Peter’s exaggerated ‘King Westley’ speech.	Mocks superficial romance

5. Motif

Movie Scene	Device Example
The Walls of Jericho.	Recurring motif representing personal boundaries
Road trip encounters.	Motif of journey and self-discovery

6. Hyperbole

Movie Scene	Device Example
Peter’s description of how he would write Ellie’s story.	Exaggerated to highlight his storytelling prowess
Ellie’s father’s reaction to her running away.	Over-the-top worry to show his controlling nature

7. Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
Peter describing marriage as a contract.	Marriage as a business transaction
The journey itself.	Metaphor for personal growth and discovery

8. Allusion

Movie Scene	Device Example
Reference to David and Goliath with the Walls of Jericho.	Biblical allusion
Peter’s sarcastic mention of ‘Romeo’.	Literary allusion to Shakespeare’s romantic tragedy

9. Dramatic Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
The audience knows Peter is helping Ellie for a story, but she doesn’t.	Creates tension and humor
Ellie unaware of Peter’s growing feelings.	Adds depth to their interactions

10. Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Device Example
Ellie’s luxurious life vs. the common folk she meets.	Highlights her transformation
Peter’s cynicism vs. Ellie’s naivety.	Enhances their character development

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Character Studies

Device	Explanation
Irony	Ellie’s privileged background contrasts with her helplessness in the real world, highlighting her initial naivety and growth.
Foreshadowing	Peter’s initial contempt for Ellie hints at the deeper connection they will eventually develop.
Symbolism	The Walls of Jericho symbolize the emotional and physical barriers between Ellie and Peter, breaking down as they grow closer.
Satire	Peter’s biting comments about Ellie’s lifestyle criticize the superficiality of the upper class.
Motif	The recurring road trip scenes emphasize Peter’s role as Ellie’s guide and protector, illustrating their evolving relationship.
Hyperbole	Ellie’s exaggerated reactions to common situations underscore her sheltered upbringing and eventual adaptation.
Metaphor	The journey symbolizes Ellie’s transformation from a sheltered heiress to a self-reliant woman.
Allusion	Peter’s references to classic literature and myths position him as a worldly, knowledgeable counterpart to Ellie’s innocence.
Dramatic Irony	The audience’s awareness of Peter’s intentions adds complexity to his character as he shifts from opportunist to genuine lover.
Juxtaposition	The contrast between Peter’s street-smart savvy and Ellie’s innocence drives their mutual development and attraction.

Character Dynamics

Ellie and Peter’s relationship evolves from antagonistic to affectionate, driven by their contrasting personalities. Ellie’s transformation is marked by her growing independence, while Peter’s cynicism softens into genuine care. Their dynamic drives the film’s narrative, showcasing themes of love, trust, and personal growth.

Thematic Analysis

Love vs. Independence

Device	Explanation
Irony	Ellie finds true love only after breaking free from her father’s control.
Metaphor	The Walls of Jericho symbolize the barriers to their love, which eventually fall.

Class Differences

Device	Explanation
Satire	The film critiques the lifestyle of the wealthy through Ellie’s naive behavior.
Juxtaposition	The stark contrast between Ellie’s luxury and the common folk she meets highlights class disparities.

Personal Growth

Device	Explanation
Motif	The journey motif underscores the characters’ development.
Symbolism	Ellie’s stolen clothes symbolize shedding her old self and embracing change.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Symbolism	Visual Symbolism	The Walls of Jericho are depicted visually, emphasizing the emotional distance between the characters.
Irony	Sound Design	Peter’s sarcastic comments are often underscored by playful music, enhancing the humor.
Juxtaposition	Cinematography	The contrast in settings (luxurious hotels vs. rundown motels) visually highlights class differences.
Foreshadowing	Editing	Quick cuts between Peter and Ellie hint at their eventual romantic connection.
Motif	Repeated Visuals	The recurring image of the road emphasizes the journey motif.
Dramatic Irony	Camera Angles	The audience’s perspective often reveals more than the characters know, adding tension.
Satire	Costume Design	Ellie’s elaborate outfits contrast with the simple attire of the common people she meets, satirizing her status.
Metaphor	Lighting	Shifts in lighting reflect the characters’ emotional states and relationship progression.
Allusion	Set Design	Background elements often reference classic literature and myths, enriching the narrative.
Hyperbole	Actor’s Performances	Exaggerated facial expressions and gestures highlight the comedic elements of the story.

Key Scene Analysis

Scene: The Walls of Jericho

• Link: YouTube Scene Link
• Breakdown: This scene features the symbolic “Walls of Jericho” blanket. The barrier symbolizes the emotional and physical distance between Peter and Ellie. As the film progresses, the blanket’s removal foreshadows their growing intimacy and breaking down of barriers. The cinematography and dialogue work together to emphasize the theme of love developing despite initial differences.

Scene: Hitchhiking Lesson

• Link: YouTube Scene Link
• Breakdown: In this humorous scene, Peter teaches Ellie how to hitchhike, leading to a moment of situational irony when Ellie succeeds where Peter fails. This scene showcases their dynamic, with Peter’s worldliness and Ellie’s surprising adaptability, contributing to the film’s comedic tone and character development.

Conclusion

Interactive Quiz

1. What does the “Walls of Jericho” symbolize?
   • A) The barrier between Peter and Ellie
   • B) The physical distance they travel
   • C) Peter’s stubbornness
2. Which device is used when Peter mocks Ellie’s hitchhiking skills?
   • A) Metaphor
   • B) Irony
   • C) Symbolism
3. What literary device is highlighted by the road trip motif?
   • A) Juxtaposition
   • B) Foreshadowing
   • C) Personal growth
4. Which technique enhances the dramatic irony in the film?
   • A) Sound design
   • B) Camera angles
   • C) Lighting
5. What theme is underscored by Ellie’s stolen clothes?
   • A) Class differences
   • B) Personal growth
   • C) Love vs. independence

Answers:

1. A
2. B
3. C
4. B
5. B