“Paper Moon,” directed by Peter Bogdanovich, is a 1973 American comedy-drama film set during the Great Depression. The film stars real-life father and daughter duo Ryan and Tatum O’Neal, and follows the adventures of a con man and a young girl as they navigate scams and unexpected bonds. Its blend of humor and heart, along with striking black-and-white cinematography, makes it a timeless classic.
Metaphor
Movie Scene Device Example Addie and Moses first meet Addie is referred to as a “sharp as a tack.” Scene in the church The collection plate is a “golden opportunity.”
Symbolism
Movie Scene Device Example Addie’s photograph Represents her connection to her past and her mother. The $200 Symbolizes trust and the bond forming between Addie and Moses.
Irony
Movie Scene Device Example Addie cons a con man Addie outsmarts Moses, the seasoned con artist. The chase scene Law enforcement is fooled by the innocent facade.
Foreshadowing
Movie Scene Device Example Addie insists on traveling with Moses Hints at their eventual partnership and bond. Trixie’s introduction Predicts complications in Moses and Addie’s relationship.
Allusion
Movie Scene Device Example Addie’s reading material References classic literature, indicating her intelligence. Trixie’s makeup routine Alludes to the flapper era, providing historical context .
Hyperbole
Movie Scene Device Example Addie’s candy purchase “I could eat a whole store of candy.” Moses’s cons “I’ve sold swampland to desert folk.”
Flashback
Movie Scene Device Example Addie’s memories of her mother Reveals her motivations and attachment to Moses. Moses’s past scams Provides context for his distrust and cynicism.
Personification
Movie Scene Device Example The car breakdown “The car just decided it had enough.” Addie’s money box “The box refuses to stay shut with all the money inside.”
Dialogue
Movie Scene Device Example Addie and Moses’s banter Reveals their growing bond and dynamic. Conversations with Trixie Exposes her manipulative nature.
Motif
Movie Scene Device Example Cigarettes Repeated throughout to symbolize Moses’s rough exterior. Religious references Highlight the contrast between appearance and reality.
Addie
Device Explanation Irony Despite being a child, Addie often outsmarts adults. Dialogue Her sharp, witty dialogue shows her intelligence and resilience.
Moses
Device Explanation Metaphor Often seen as a “wolf in sheep’s clothing,” hiding his softer side. Flashback Moses’s past scams provide insight into his guarded nature.
Trixie
Device Explanation Symbolism Her flamboyant appearance symbolizes superficiality. Allusion Her references to popular culture of the era show her desire for status.
Character Dynamics
Relationship Analysis Addie and Moses Their evolving relationship drives the narrative , revealing themes of trust and family. Moses and Trixie Highlights the theme of deception and selfishness.
Deception
Device Explanation Irony Many scams revolve around ironic twists where the con man gets conned. Dialogue Quick-witted exchanges highlight the constant deceit between characters.
Family and Trust
Device Explanation Symbolism The $200 symbolizes the trust being built between Addie and Moses. Flashback Addie’s memories of her mother underscore her need for a parental figure.
Survival
Device Explanation Metaphor The journey represents the struggle for survival during the Great Depression. Motif Cigarettes and alcohol frequently appear, symbolizing the escape from harsh realities.
Literary Device Technique Explanation Symbolism Black-and-white film Emphasizes the stark reality of the Great Depression. Irony Camera angles Often uses low angles to make Addie seem larger than life, despite her age.
Scene 1: Addie Outsmarts Moses
Watch Scene on YouTube This scene uses irony and dialogue to establish Addie’s sharp wit and intelligence, setting the stage for their dynamic relationship.
Scene 2: The $200 Bond
Watch Scene on YouTube This scene employs symbolism and foreshadowing , highlighting the growing trust and bond between Addie and Moses, crucial for the narrative’s emotional core.
Scene 3: The Chase
Watch Scene on YouTube A masterful use of irony and visual techniques, where the law is outsmarted by the duo, blending humor and tension perfectly.
Let’s test your knowledge with a fun, interactive quiz! 📝🎉
Which literary device is prominently used in the scene where Addie outsmarts Moses?
What does the $200 symbolize in the film?
A) Wealth
B) Trust and bond
C) Deception
D) Survival
How is the theme of survival depicted through visual techniques?
A) Use of bright colors
B) Black-and-white film
C) Slow-motion scenes
D) Flashy costumes
