“The Kid” (1921), directed by Charlie Chaplin, is a silent comedy-drama film that weaves humor with poignant social commentary. It tells the heartwarming story of a tramp who adopts an abandoned child and their adventures as they navigate life’s hardships.
Irony
Movie Scene Device Example Opening scene showing the note left with the baby Situational irony : The note reads, “Please love and care for this orphan child,” expecting someone wealthy to find him, but a tramp does instead. The Tramp’s efforts to protect the Kid from being taken away Dramatic irony : The audience knows the Kid is not really the Tramp’s son, but they share a genuine bond.
Symbolism
Movie Scene Device Example The Kid’s patched clothes Symbol of poverty and resilience.The Tramp’s cane and hat Symbols of his dignity and persistence despite hardship.
Pathos
Movie Scene Device Example The Tramp finding the abandoned baby Evokes sympathy and sadness from the audience. The Kid being taken away by the authorities Heightens emotional intensity and audience’s empathy.
Juxtaposition
Movie Scene Device Example The opulent car next to the Tramp and Kid’s shabby home Highlights the stark contrast between wealth and poverty. The dream sequence where the Tramp envisions a perfect world Contrasts with his harsh reality.
Satire
Movie Scene Device Example The scenes depicting the rich and the poor Satire on social inequality and the class divide.The exaggerated characters of the wealthy woman and the doctor Satirical portrayal of the upper class’s detachment from reality.
Motif
Movie Scene Device Example The recurring scenes of the Tramp and Kid evading authorities Motif of survival and resistance against societal forces.The motif of dreams and aspirations Shown through the dream sequence and the Tramp’s constant striving for a better life.
Hyperbole
Movie Scene Device Example The exaggerated fight scenes between the Kid and other boys Emphasizes the Kid’s courage and determination. The dream sequence with angels and demons Highlights the contrast between idealism and reality in a hyperbolic manner.
Foreshadowing
Movie Scene Device Example The opening scene with the note Foreshadows the central conflict of the film. The Tramp’s protective actions towards the Kid Foreshadows his deep emotional attachment and the lengths he will go to protect the Kid.
Metaphor
Movie Scene Device Example The dream sequence Metaphor for the Tramp’s idealized vision of life.The Tramp and Kid’s struggles Metaphor for the broader human struggle against adversity.
Allegory
Movie Scene Device Example The relationship between the Tramp and the Kid Allegory of parental love and sacrifice.The portrayal of society’s treatment of the poor Allegory of social injustice and the resilience of the human spirit.
The Tramp
Literary Device Explanation Pathos Chaplin uses pathos to make the audience deeply empathize with the Tramp’s struggles and his love for the Kid. Symbolism The Tramp’s iconic cane and hat symbolize his resilience and dignity.
The Kid
Literary Device Explanation Irony The Kid’s innocent actions often lead to comedic yet poignant situations, highlighting the irony of his circumstances. Hyperbole The Kid’s exaggerated actions in fight scenes emphasize his spirited nature and determination.
The Mother
Literary Device Explanation Foreshadowing Her abandonment of the baby sets the stage for the central conflict and emotional journey of the film. Allegory Her search for her child represents a deeper allegory of redemption and maternal love.
Character Dynamics
Relationship Analysis The Tramp and the Kid Their relationship drives the narrative , showcasing themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience. The use of pathos and irony deepens their bond and the audience’s connection to their story. The Mother and the Tramp Their dynamic is marked by dramatic irony and foreshadowing , highlighting themes of redemption and societal judgment.
Poverty and Social Injustice
Device Explanation Symbolism The Kid’s patched clothes and the Tramp’s shabby home symbolize the harsh realities of poverty. Satire The exaggerated depiction of wealthy characters critiques social inequality and indifference.
Parental Love and Sacrifice
Device Explanation Pathos The Tramp’s efforts to protect and care for the Kid evoke deep emotional responses from the audience. Allegory The Tramp’s relationship with the Kid serves as an allegory for unconditional love and sacrifice.
Resilience and Hope
Device Explanation Motif Recurring scenes of the Tramp and Kid overcoming obstacles highlight their resilience. Metaphor The dream sequence represents the Tramp’s hope for a better future despite current hardships.
Visual and Sound Techniques
Literary Device Technique Explanation Pathos Close-up shots Close-ups of the Tramp and the Kid’s faces intensify emotional scenes. Irony Juxtaposition of scenesThe contrast between the lavish lifestyle of the wealthy and the Tramp’s humble existence underscores the film’s ironic tone .
Scene: The Tramp Finds the Baby
YouTube Link
Breakdown:
Literary Devices: Pathos , Irony Cinematic Techniques: Close-ups, Juxtaposition Impact: This scene sets the emotional tone of the film, establishing the bond between the Tramp and the Kid and highlighting the irony of the situation.
Scene: The Kid is Taken Away
YouTube Link
Breakdown:
Literary Devices: Pathos , Foreshadowing Cinematic Techniques: Dramatic music, High-angle shotsImpact: The emotional intensity of this scene underscores the themes of love and sacrifice, foreshadowing the Tramp’s desperate attempts to reunite with the Kid.
Quiz: Test Your Knowledge on ‘The Kid’ Literary Devices
Which literary device is primarily used when the Tramp dreams of an ideal world?
What do the Tramp’s cane and hat symbolize?
a) Wealth
b) Dignity and resilience
c) Comedy
d) Social status
Which scene best exemplifies the use of pathos ?
a) The opening scene
b) The dream sequence
c) The Kid’s fight scene
d) The Tramp finding the baby
The exaggerated depiction of wealthy characters in the film is an example of which literary device?
