Nosferatu (1922)

Brief Intro

🎬 Nosferatu (1922), directed by F.W. Murnau, is a classic silent horror film and an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The eerie and atmospheric storytelling, combined with innovative cinematic techniques, has made it a timeless piece in the horror genre. 🧛‍♂️

Literary Devices Used in Nosferatu

Allusion

Movie Scene	Device Example
Count Orlok’s introduction	References to Dracula, hinting at vampiric folklore
Hutter reading the ancient book	Alludes to historical vampire myths and superstitions

Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
Hutter’s discovery of the bite marks	Foreshadows his encounter with Orlok
The journey to Transylvania	Eerie landscapes foreshadow the horror to come

Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
Orlok’s shadow stretching across the wall	Symbolizes his pervasive evil and influence
The withering flowers in Ellen’s home	Symbolizes the life-draining presence of Orlok

Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Hutter’s initial excitement for his trip	Ironically, leads to a horrific encounter
Townspeople’s dismissal of the vampire lore	Their skepticism is contrasted by the real danger they face

Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
Orlok’s appearance	Metaphor for death and decay
The ship transporting Orlok	Metaphor for bringing plague and doom

Motif

Movie Scene	Device Example
The recurring imagery of rats	Represents disease and death
The moonlit nights	Reinforces the supernatural and eerie atmosphere

Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Device Example
Hutter’s cheerful departure vs. grim arrival	Highlights the drastic change in tone and his fate
Ellen’s purity vs. Orlok’s corruption	Emphasizes the battle between good and evil

Allegory

Movie Scene	Device Example
Orlok’s move to Wisborg	Allegory for the spread of evil
Ellen’s sacrificial act	Allegory for purity and selflessness overcoming darkness

Personification

Movie Scene	Device Example
The castle as a character	Enhances the menacing presence of Orlok
The rising of the sun	Personified as the savior that destroys Orlok

Hyperbole

Movie Scene	Device Example
Orlok’s exaggerated movements	Emphasize his supernatural nature
The depiction of the plague	Intensifies the sense of doom and fear

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Count Orlok

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Orlok symbolizes death and decay, evident in his cadaverous appearance and the plague he spreads.
Irony	Despite his terrifying presence, he is defeated by the pure and delicate Ellen.

Thomas Hutter

Device	Explanation
Foreshadowing	His discovery of the bite marks foreshadows his deeper involvement with Orlok.
Juxtaposition	His cheerful departure contrasts with the grim reality he faces upon meeting Orlok.

Ellen Hutter

Device	Explanation
Allegory	Represents purity and self-sacrifice, ultimately leading to Orlok’s demise.
Metaphor	Her character serves as a metaphor for light overcoming darkness.

Knock

Device	Explanation
Irony	Initially seen as a respectable figure, his madness and servitude to Orlok is revealed.
Symbolism	His descent into madness symbolizes the corrupting influence of evil.

Character Dynamics

The relationship between Hutter and Ellen drives the narrative, illustrating themes of love and sacrifice. Hutter’s journey is motivated by his desire to provide for Ellen, while Ellen’s ultimate sacrifice to save her town showcases her selflessness and purity. The dynamic between Orlok and Hutter represents the classic battle between good and evil, with Orlok’s malevolent presence overshadowing Hutter’s naivety.

Thematic Analysis

Fear of the Unknown

Device	Explanation
Foreshadowing	The eerie landscapes and ominous signs Hutter encounters on his journey set the tone for fear.
Symbolism	Orlok’s shadow symbolizes the pervasive and lurking fear of the unknown.

Sacrifice

Device	Explanation
Allegory	Ellen’s self-sacrifice is an allegory for the triumph of good over evil.
Juxtaposition	Ellen’s purity against Orlok’s malevolence highlights the theme of sacrifice.

Corruption and Decay

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Orlok’s appearance and the spreading plague symbolize corruption and decay.
Metaphor	The ship transporting Orlok represents the vessel of doom and decay brought to Wisborg.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Visual and Sound Techniques

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Symbolism	Use of shadows	The extensive use of shadows emphasizes the lurking evil of Orlok.
Foreshadowing	Eerie sound effects	The unsettling sounds foreshadow the horror to come, setting an ominous tone.
Allegory	Lighting contrasts	The stark lighting contrasts between Ellen and Orlok highlight the allegory of good vs. evil.
Juxtaposition	Set design	The cheerful design of Hutter’s home juxtaposed with the eerie castle enhances the narrative.

Key Scene Analysis

Scene: Orlok’s First Appearance

YouTube Link: Nosferatu – Orlok’s First Appearance

Scene Breakdown:

• Literary Devices: Symbolism (Orlok’s shadow), Foreshadowing (Hutter’s reaction)
• Cinematic Techniques: Use of shadows and lighting to enhance the eerie presence of Orlok, creating a foreboding atmosphere.

Scene: Ellen’s Sacrifice

YouTube Link: Nosferatu – Ellen’s Sacrifice

Scene Breakdown:

• Literary Devices: Allegory (Ellen’s self-sacrifice), Metaphor (Her purity as light)
• Cinematic Techniques: Lighting contrasts and close-up shots to highlight Ellen’s purity and resolve.

Scene: The Plague Spreading

YouTube Link: Nosferatu – The Plague

Scene Breakdown:

• Literary Devices: Metaphor (Rats symbolizing plague), Irony (Townspeople’s initial disbelief)
• Cinematic Techniques: Visual motifs of rats and the desolate town to emphasize the spread of decay and fear.

Conclusion

Interactive Quiz

1. What literary device is used when Hutter finds bite marks on his neck?
   • A) Metaphor
   • B) Foreshadowing
   • C) Irony
   • D) Allegory
2. How does Ellen’s character contribute to the theme of sacrifice?
   • A) She warns the townspeople
   • B) She sacrifices herself to save the town
   • C) She hides from Orlok
   • D) She reads ancient texts
3. Which cinematic technique is primarily used to enhance the symbolism of Orlok’s shadow?
   • A) Sound effects
   • B) Close-up shots
   • C) Use of shadows
   • D) Set design
4. What is the metaphorical significance of the ship transporting Orlok?
   • A) Journey to prosperity
   • B) Vessel of doom and decay
   • C) Symbol of hope
   • D) Escape route
5. Which device is evident in the scene where Ellen sacrifices herself?
   • A) Irony
   • B) Allegory
   • C) Hyperbole
   • D) Personification