The Man Who Would Be King (1975)

Brief Intro

🌟 “The Man Who Would Be King” is a captivating adventure film directed by John Huston, released in 1975. Based on Rudyard Kipling’s novella, the movie follows the audacious journey of two British adventurers, Daniel Dravot and Peachey Carnehan, as they venture into a remote part of Afghanistan and strive to establish themselves as kings. Packed with wit, bravery, and a touch of folly, the film delves deep into themes of ambition, imperialism, and friendship.

Literary Devices Used in The Man Who Would Be King

1. Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
Early conversation about becoming kings	Dravot and Carnehan discuss their plans, hinting at future outcomes.
Dravot’s crown slipping	Symbolizes the instability of his rule.

2. Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Dravot’s god-like status	Irony in Dravot being seen as a god despite being human.
The ultimate betrayal	Their subjects turning against them after worshiping them.

3. Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
Dravot’s crown	Represents the burden and instability of power.
The mountains	Symbolize isolation and the divide between dreams and reality.

4. Allegory

Movie Scene	Device Example
The entire journey	Allegory for British colonialism and its consequences.
The fall from power	Reflects the inevitable decline of overreaching ambition.

5. Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
Dravot as a god	Represents the human desire for power and immortality.
The contract with Kipling	Symbolizes the bond and agreement of their ambitious venture.

6. Satire

Movie Scene	Device Example
Portrayal of British Empire	Critiques the absurdity and arrogance of colonialism.
The duo’s grandiose plans	Satirizes the naivety and hubris of imperial ambition.

7. Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Dravot’s ultimate fate	His god-like status contrasted with his mortal demise.
The mock coronation	Highlights the absurdity of their self-proclaimed royalty.

8. Hyperbole

Movie Scene	Device Example
Dravot’s claims to godhood	Exaggerates his perceived invincibility.
The treasure room	Exaggerates their greed and the opulence they sought.

9. Allusion

Movie Scene	Device Example
References to Alexander the Great	Alludes to historical conquests and their consequences.
Kipling’s character cameo	Alludes to the author’s role in shaping the narrative.

10. Pathos

Movie Scene	Device Example
Carnehan’s emotional plea	Evokes sympathy and a sense of impending doom.
The final march	Generates emotional resonance through their downfall.

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Character Studies

Daniel Dravot

Device	Explanation
Foreshadowing	Early hints at Dravot’s overambition.
Irony	His transformation from man to “god” to mortal.

Peachey Carnehan

Device	Explanation
Pathos	His loyalty and ultimate suffering.
Symbolism	Represents the everyman caught in grand schemes.

Character Dynamics

The relationship between Dravot and Carnehan drives the narrative, with their friendship highlighting themes of loyalty, ambition, and the consequences of overreaching dreams. Their dynamic is central to the plot, showing how personal bonds are tested by external ambitions and ultimate downfall.

Thematic Analysis

Ambition and Power

Device	Explanation
Metaphor	Dravot as a god symbolizes the corrupting nature of absolute power.
Irony	Their rise and fall highlight the fickle nature of power.

Colonialism

Device	Explanation
Allegory	The entire film serves as an allegory for the British Empire’s reach and its consequences.
Satire	Critiques the absurdity and moral ambiguity of colonial ambitions.

Friendship and Loyalty

Device	Explanation
Pathos	Evokes strong emotions around their bond and ultimate betrayal.
Foreshadowing	Early hints at the strength and eventual test of their friendship.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Visual and Sound Techniques

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Symbolism	Lighting	Use of light and shadow to symbolize power dynamics.
Foreshadowing	Music	Eerie scores hint at impending doom.
Irony	Costuming	Contrasts between regal attire and the characters’ origins.
Pathos	Close-ups	Intense close-ups to evoke emotional responses.

Key Scene Analysis

Scene Selection

Scene 1: Dravot’s Coronation

YouTube Link: Dravot’s Coronation
This scene uses grand visuals and dramatic music to emphasize Dravot’s perceived rise to power, showcasing irony and foreshadowing his eventual downfall.

Scene 2: The Betrayal

YouTube Link: The Betrayal
The betrayal scene uses intense close-ups and sound to heighten the emotional impact, reinforcing the themes of ambition and loyalty through pathos and irony.

Scene 3: The Final March

YouTube Link: The Final March
In this scene, the desolate landscape and somber music enhance the themes of isolation and the consequences of overreaching ambition, utilizing symbolism and foreshadowing.

Conclusion

To test your understanding of the literary devices used in “The Man Who Would Be King,” take this interactive quiz!

Interactive Quiz

1. What literary device is used when Dravot is seen as a god despite being human?
   • a) Metaphor
   • b) Irony
   • c) Hyperbole
2. Which device highlights the absurdity of colonial ambition in the film?
   • a) Satire
   • b) Allegory
   • c) Pathos
3. What symbolizes the burden and instability of power in the movie?
   • a) The mountains
   • b) Dravot’s crown
   • c) The treasure room
4. Which character is primarily associated with pathos in the film?
   • a) Dravot
   • b) Carnehan
   • c) Kipling