“Make Way for Tomorrow” (1937) is a poignant film directed by Leo McCarey, focusing on the heartbreaking tale of an elderly couple, Barkley and Lucy Cooper, who are forced to separate due to financial difficulties. The film delves into themes of aging, family dynamics, and societal neglect, presenting a touching and, at times, starkly realistic portrayal of the twilight years.
Let’s dive into the literary devices that give this film its emotional depth and enduring relevance.
Metaphor
Movie Scene Device Example The final scene where Barkley and Lucy part at the train station. The train symbolizes the inevitable passage of time and the journey of life. Barkley’s broken chair. Represents his declining health and the fragility of old age.
Symbolism
Movie Scene Device Example The old family home that Barkley and Lucy must leave. Symbolizes their lost past and the disintegration of family unity. The family photograph. Represents the fractured family relationships and lost connections.
Irony
Movie Scene Device Example The children promising to visit their parents often but rarely doing so. Highlights the contrast between words and actions, underscoring the theme of neglect. The cheerful music playing during the sad parting at the train station. Enhances the emotional irony of the moment.
Foreshadowing
Movie Scene Device Example Early discussions about financial troubles. Foreshadows the eventual separation of Barkley and Lucy. Barkley’s early coughs. Foreshadows his declining health and ultimate fate.
Flashback
Movie Scene Device Example Lucy reminiscing about their early years together. Provides context for their deep bond and highlights the contrast with their current situation. Barkley’s memories of working and providing for the family. Adds depth to his character and the sacrifices he made.
Allusion
Movie Scene Device Example References to “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck. Alludes to the broader social issues of the Great Depression. Mention of popular songs from their youth. Alludes to their happier times and a bygone era.
Juxtaposition
Movie Scene Device Example Scenes of the bustling city against the quiet, lonely lives of the elderly couple. Highlights the isolation and neglect faced by the elderly. Happy family gatherings in flashbacks contrasted with present-day separations. Enhances the sense of loss and nostalgia .
Personification
Movie Scene Device Example The creaking of the old house. The house seems to mourn the departure of its residents. The train whistle. Implies a sense of foreboding and sorrow as it parts Barkley and Lucy.
Dialogue
Movie Scene Device Example Conversations between Barkley and Lucy about their past. Reveals their deep connection and shared history. The children’s discussions about their parents. Exposes their selfishness and lack of understanding.
Motif
Movie Scene Device Example Recurring mentions of time. Emphasizes the fleeting nature of life and relationships. The recurring imagery of separation. Highlights the central theme of loss and parting.
Character Studies
Device Explanation Metaphor Barkley’s broken chair symbolizes his declining health and the overall fragility of old age. Flashback Lucy’s reminiscence of their early years adds depth to her character, showing the contrast with her present situation.
Character Dynamics
Device Explanation Juxtaposition The stark difference between the children’s comfortable lives and their parents’ struggles highlights generational disconnect. Dialogue The conversations among the children about their parents reveal their selfishness and lack of empathy.
Aging and Family
Device Explanation Symbolism The family home symbolizes the unity and subsequent disintegration of family bonds. Irony The children’s promises to visit often contrast with their actual neglect.
Societal Neglect
Device Explanation Metaphor The train represents the journey of life and the passage of time, underscoring societal neglect of the elderly. Allusion References to “The Grapes of Wrath” allude to the broader social issues of the time, including neglect.
Love and Sacrifice
Device Explanation Flashback Flashbacks to Barkley and Lucy’s early years highlight their enduring love and sacrifices. Motif The recurring imagery of separation underscores the sacrifices made by the elderly couple.
Literary Device Technique Explanation Irony Sound design The cheerful music during the sad parting at the train station enhances the emotional irony . Juxtaposition Visual contrasts The bustling city scenes contrasted with the quiet lives of Barkley and Lucy highlight their isolation.
Train Station Farewell
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This scene uses a combination of visual and sound techniques to enhance the literary devices:
Visuals : The long, lingering shots on the couple’s faces emphasize their sorrow and resignation.Sound : The contrasting cheerful music underscores the emotional irony of their parting.
Family Dinner Scene
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In this scene, the dynamics between the children and their parents are brought to life through:
Dialogue Visuals : The camera angles highlighting the distance and disconnect between the family members.
To wrap things up , let’s engage with a fun interactive multiple-choice quiz to test your understanding of the literary devices in “Make Way for Tomorrow.”
Quiz:
What does the train symbolize in the final scene?
a) Wealth
b) Passage of time
c) Happiness
d) Health
Which literary device is highlighted by the cheerful music during the sad farewell?
What does Barkley’s broken chair symbolize?
a) Wealth
b) Strength
c) Declining health
d) Happiness
