Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)

Brief Intro

“Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” (1984), directed by Hayao Miyazaki, is a seminal work in the world of animated films. Set in a post-apocalyptic future, it follows the journey of Nausicaä, a compassionate princess who strives to bring peace to her war-torn world. With its rich storytelling and ecological themes, this film stands out as a masterpiece of animated cinema.

Literary Devices Used in Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

Metaphor

Movie Scene	Example
Nausicaä’s interactions with the Ohmu	The Ohmu represent the natural world and its resilience.
The toxic jungle	Symbolizes nature’s reclaiming of the Earth after human destruction.

Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Example
Nausicaä’s dream of a golden field	Hints at her role in restoring peace and balance.
The prophecy at the film’s start	Sets up the expectation of a savior in blue, foreshadowing Nausicaä’s destiny.

Symbolism

Movie Scene	Example
Nausicaä’s blue dress	Represents hope and the prophesied savior.
The Ohmu’s golden eyes	Symbolize enlightenment and understanding.

Irony

Movie Scene	Example
The Tolmekians’ use of giant warriors to “save” humanity	Their methods of destruction contradict their supposed aim of salvation.
Nausicaä’s peaceful approach to the Ohmu	Contrasts with the general fear and aggression towards them.

Allegory

Movie Scene	Example
The toxic jungle’s spread	Represents environmental degradation.
Nausicaä’s efforts to heal the jungle	Symbolizes the potential for human redemption and harmony with nature.

Hyperbole

Movie Scene	Example
The size and power of the Ohmu	Exaggerates the force of nature compared to humans.
The devastation caused by the Giant Warrior	Highlights the catastrophic potential of human-created weapons.

Personification

Movie Scene	Example
The jungle as a living entity	The toxic jungle is given life-like characteristics, portraying it as a reactive force.
The Ohmu’s emotional responses	They display feelings such as anger and sorrow.

Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Example
Nausicaä’s peaceful valley vs. the toxic jungle	Highlights the contrast between harmony and destruction.
The serene scenes of nature vs. the war scenes	Emphasizes the impact of conflict on the natural world.

Motif

Movie Scene	Example
Flying sequences	Recurring motif representing freedom and perspective.
Nausicaä’s care for living beings	Motif of empathy and connection to all forms of life.

Imagery

Movie Scene	Example
The lush depiction of the toxic jungle	Creates a vivid, otherworldly atmosphere.
The detailed scenes of Nausicaä flying	Conveys a sense of vastness and freedom.

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Nausicaä

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Her blue dress symbolizes hope and prophecy fulfillment.
Metaphor	Nausicaä herself is a metaphor for peace and reconciliation.

Lord Yupa

Device	Explanation
Foreshadowing	His quest for understanding hints at the larger resolution.
Irony	As a warrior, his ultimate goal is peace, contradicting his violent skills.

Princess Kushana

Device	Explanation
Juxtaposition	Her aggressive tactics are set against Nausicaä’s pacifism.
Allegory	Represents the destructive side of humanity’s quest for power.

Asbel

Device	Explanation
Personification	His emotional journey personifies the internal conflict between war and peace.
Motif	His repeated encounters with Nausicaä reinforce the motif of unlikely alliances.

Character Dynamics

Nausicaä’s interactions with others drive the narrative and themes. Her relationship with Lord Yupa highlights the balance between knowledge and action, while her conflict with Princess Kushana underscores the struggle between peace and war. Asbel’s evolving alliance with Nausicaä demonstrates the potential for change and understanding.

Thematic Analysis

Environmentalism

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	The toxic jungle symbolizes environmental destruction and renewal.
Allegory	The entire setting acts as an allegory for the consequences of industrialization.

Pacifism

Device	Explanation
Irony	Nausicaä’s peaceful methods contrast with the violent approaches of others.
Metaphor	Nausicaä’s journey is a metaphor for the struggle to achieve peace in a hostile world.

Sacrifice

Device	Explanation
Foreshadowing	Nausicaä’s early acts of bravery hint at her ultimate sacrifice.
Hyperbole	Her willingness to risk everything emphasizes the theme of sacrifice.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Visual and Sound Techniques

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Symbolism	Use of color	Nausicaä’s blue dress is highlighted to emphasize her symbolic role.
Metaphor	Sound design	The contrasting sounds of nature and machinery underline the film’s environmental message.
Irony	Visual contrast	The peaceful valley scenes are contrasted with war scenes to highlight irony.
Allegory	Visual motifs	Recurrent imagery of the jungle and flight reinforce the allegorical elements.

Key Scene Analysis

Scene 1: Nausicaä and the Ohmu

YouTube Link: Nausicaä and the Ohmu

Breakdown

This scene utilizes metaphor and imagery extensively. The Ohmu’s immense size and gentle nature when interacting with Nausicaä metaphorically represent nature’s power and its capacity for peace. The vivid imagery of the toxic jungle underscores the environmental themes.

Scene 2: Nausicaä’s Sacrifice

YouTube Link: Nausicaä’s Sacrifice

Breakdown

This pivotal scene highlights the theme of sacrifice through foreshadowing and hyperbole. Nausicaä’s earlier acts of bravery foreshadow her ultimate sacrifice, and her willingness to confront the Ohmu emphasizes the extent of her dedication to peace and harmony.

Scene 3: The Giant Warrior Awakens

YouTube Link: The Giant Warrior Awakens

Breakdown

Irony and juxtaposition are key in this scene. The Giant Warrior, intended to save humanity, ironically becomes a symbol of destruction. The visual contrast between the warrior and the natural world it devastates underscores the film’s critique of technological hubris.

Conclusion

Interactive Quiz

1. What does Nausicaä’s blue dress symbolize?
   • A) War
   • B) Hope
   • C) Wealth
   • D) Anger
2. Which literary device is used when Nausicaä dreams of a golden field?
   • A) Hyperbole
   • B) Foreshadowing
   • C) Irony
   • D) Personification
3. The Ohmu’s golden eyes are an example of which literary device?
   • A) Symbolism
   • B) Allegory
   • C) Juxtaposition
   • D) Motif
4. How does the film use sound design to enhance its environmental message?
   • A) By using silence
   • B) By contrasting nature sounds with machinery
   • C) By using loud explosions
   • D) By using orchestral music
5. Which character’s tactics highlight the struggle between peace and war?
   • A) Nausicaä
   • B) Lord Yupa
   • C) Asbel
   • D) Princess Kushana

Answers:

1. B) Hope
2. B) Foreshadowing
3. A) Symbolism
4. B) By contrasting nature sounds with machinery
5. D) Princess Kushana