“The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” (1962) is a classic American Western film directed by John Ford. The story follows a tenderfoot lawyer, Ransom Stoddard, and his confrontation with the notorious outlaw Liberty Valance. The film explores themes of justice, legend versus fact, and the taming of the Wild West.
Identify 10 literary devices used in the film with 2 specific mention for each device in a table format – one table per device.
Irony
Scene Device Example Stoddard practicing shooting Despite being a lawyer, he practices using a gun, which contrasts with his belief in the law. Valance’s fate Valance is killed by the ‘weak’ lawyer, not the experienced gunman.
Foreshadowing
Scene Device Example Stoddard’s arrival in town The town’s reaction to Stoddard hints at the upheaval he will cause. Tom’s demeanor towards Valance Tom’s subtle warnings about Valance hint at the final showdown.
Symbolism
Scene Device Example The cactus rose Represents Hallie’s longing and unfulfilled dreams. The gun Symbolizes power and justice in the Wild West.
Flashback
Scene Device Example Stoddard’s recounting of events The entire narrative structure is built on Stoddard’s flashback . Tom’s story about Liberty Valance Provides background and context for the final showdown.
Juxtaposition
Scene Device Example Stoddard’s and Tom’s lifestyles Stoddard’s educated background versus Tom’s rugged cowboy life. Shinbone town’s lawlessness Contrasted with Stoddard’s belief in law and order.
Motif
Scene Device Example The newspaper Repeatedly appears, symbolizing the power of the written word. Liberty Valance’s name His name is a constant reminder of the lawlessness he embodies.
Allegory
Scene Device Example Stoddard’s rise to power Represents the civilizing influence of law and order in the West. The showdown Symbolizes the clash between barbarism and civilization.
Metaphor
Scene Device Example The train Represents progress and change. The cactus rose Represents Hallie’s lost hopes and dreams.
Allusion
Scene Device Example References to historical figures Mentions of Lincoln and Washington imply the struggle for justice. The schoolhouse Alludes to the importance of education and enlightenment.
Personification
Scene Device Example Liberty Valance as chaos Valance personifies the chaos and violence of the Wild West. The town of Shinbone The town itself seems to ‘react’ to the actions of the characters.
Character Studies
Ransom Stoddard
Device Explanation Irony Stoddard, a lawyer, is forced to use a gun to bring justice. Symbolism His law books symbolize his belief in law and order. Juxtaposition His character is juxtaposed with Tom, highlighting his civilized demeanor.
Tom Doniphon
Device Explanation Symbolism His rugged appearance and gun symbolize the old ways of the West. Foreshadowing His quiet strength hints at his pivotal role in the story. Irony Although the most capable, he doesn’t kill Valance directly.
Liberty Valance
Device Explanation Personification Valance personifies the chaos of the untamed West. Juxtaposition His lawlessness is starkly contrasted with Stoddard’s law-abiding nature. Symbolism His name itself symbolizes liberty taken to the extreme of lawlessness.
Character Dynamics
The relationships between characters like Stoddard and Tom, or Stoddard and Hallie, drive the narrative forward. Stoddard’s respect for law clashes with Tom’s rough justice, highlighting the tension between civilization and the Wild West. Hallie’s affection for both men underscores the personal stakes involved.
Justice versus Law
Device Explanation Symbolism The gun versus the law books symbolize different forms of justice. Irony Stoddard, a man of law, must resort to violence to achieve justice.
Legend versus Fact
The Civilizing Force of Law
Device Explanation Allegory Stoddard’s rise to power represents the taming of the West. Metaphor The schoolhouse represents the spread of knowledge and order.
Visual and Sound Techniques
Literary Device Technique Explanation Symbolism Lighting Dark scenes emphasize the chaos Valance brings. Foreshadowing Music Suspenseful music hints at upcoming conflicts. Juxtaposition Costuming Stoddard’s clean-cut suits contrast with Tom’s rugged attire.
Scene Selection
Stoddard Arrives in Shinbone
YouTube Link Breakdown : The scene sets up the conflict between law and lawlessness, introducing the central characters and their dynamics. The stark contrast in reactions to Stoddard’s presence foreshadows the central conflict .
The Showdown
YouTube Link Breakdown : This pivotal scene uses lighting and sound to heighten tension. The use of shadows and stark lighting highlights the moral ambiguity and the stakes of the confrontation.
Interactive Multiple Choice Quiz
Which literary device is used when the entire narrative is told as a past event?
What does the cactus rose symbolize?
a) Justice
b) Hallie’s dreams
c) Liberty Valance’s power
d) Stoddard’s law books
Who is the man who actually shoots Liberty Valance?
a) Ransom Stoddard
b) Tom Doniphon
c) Hallie
d) The sheriff
Feel free to check your answers and explore the rich literary landscape of “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance”! 🌵👨⚖️💥
