The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928)

Brief Intro

The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928), directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer, is a silent film masterpiece that chronicles the trial of Joan of Arc. Renowned for its intense close-ups and emotional depth, this film remains a landmark in cinematic history. 🏰✨

Literary Devices Used in The Passion of Joan of Arc

Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
Joan’s interrogation by the judges	The court represents the oppressive forces of society
Joan looking towards the heavens	Heaven symbolizes hope and divine justice

Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
Joan’s shorn hair	Loss of femininity and identity
The shadow of the cross on Joan’s face	Divine presence and faith in suffering

Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Joan’s trial	The ‘justice’ system is unjust
The burning at the stake	Joan’s martyrdom makes her immortal rather than ending her influence

Allegory

Movie Scene	Device Example
Joan’s imprisonment	Allegory for spiritual trial and redemption
The church and state’s treatment of Joan	Allegory for corruption and abuse of power

Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
Joan’s visions	Predict her eventual martyrdom
The growing hostility of the judges	Hints at Joan’s inevitable fate

Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Device Example
Joan’s serene faith vs. the judges’ cruelty	Highlights the moral contrast between Joan and her persecutors
The ornate courtroom vs. Joan’s humble demeanor	Emphasizes Joan’s purity amidst corruption

Hyperbole

Movie Scene	Device Example
Joan’s unwavering faith	Emphasized to underscore her saintly nature
The judges’ exaggerated reactions	Highlights their hypocrisy and malevolence

Motif

Movie Scene	Device Example
The recurring shots of Joan’s eyes	Motif of spiritual vision and inner strength
The persistent imagery of fire	Represents both destruction and purification

Repetition

Movie Scene	Device Example
Joan’s repeated questioning	Highlights the relentless nature of her persecution
The frequent close-ups of Joan’s face	Reinforces her emotional and spiritual journey

Allusion

Movie Scene	Device Example
Joan’s visions of saints	References to her divine guidance and inspiration
The portrayal of the judges	Alludes to historical corruption in the church

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Joan of Arc

Literary Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Joan’s shorn hair symbolizes her loss of femininity and personal identity
Metaphor	Joan’s trial is a metaphor for the struggle between faith and institutional corruption

Bishop Cauchon

Literary Device	Explanation
Irony	His role as a religious leader juxtaposed with his actions highlights hypocrisy
Allegory	Represents the corrupt and oppressive nature of the church and state

The Judges

Literary Device	Explanation
Juxtaposition	Their cruelty contrasted with Joan’s innocence underscores their moral corruption
Hyperbole	Their exaggerated reactions emphasize their role as antagonists

Character Dynamics

The relationship between Joan and the judges drives the narrative, highlighting themes of faith, justice, and persecution. The judges’ relentless questioning and Joan’s unwavering faith create a tension that propels the story and underscores the moral and spiritual contrasts between them.

Thematic Analysis

Faith vs. Persecution

Literary Device	Explanation
Irony	Joan’s faith is contrasted with the judges’ cruelty, highlighting the theme
Symbolism	The cross and fire symbolize Joan’s faith and the persecution she faces

Corruption of Power

Literary Device	Explanation
Allegory	The trial represents the corruption and abuse of power by the church and state
Juxtaposition	The moral contrast between Joan and her persecutors underscores the theme

Martyrdom and Redemption

Literary Device	Explanation
Metaphor	Joan’s death is a metaphor for her spiritual triumph
Foreshadowing	Her visions hint at her eventual martyrdom, reinforcing the theme

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Symbolism	Close-ups	Intense close-ups of Joan’s face emphasize her emotional and spiritual state
Metaphor	Lighting	Use of light and shadow to symbolize Joan’s inner conflict and faith
Juxtaposition	Set design	Contrast between the ornate courtroom and Joan’s humble appearance

Key Scene Analysis

Scene 1: Joan’s Interrogation

YouTube Link: Joan’s Interrogation

Breakdown: The intense close-ups and rapid cuts create a sense of claustrophobia and highlight Joan’s emotional turmoil. The use of lighting and shadows adds depth to her character, emphasizing her isolation and spiritual struggle.

Scene 2: Joan’s Visions

YouTube Link: Joan’s Visions

Breakdown: The ethereal lighting and soft focus in this scene symbolize Joan’s divine inspiration and inner peace. The juxtaposition of her serene expressions with the hostile environment underscores the theme of faith versus persecution.

Scene 3: The Execution

YouTube Link: The Execution

Breakdown: The use of fire and the close-up of Joan’s face during her execution symbolize both her physical suffering and spiritual ascension. The stark contrast between the flames and her calm demeanor highlights her martyrdom.

Conclusion

Let’s test your understanding with a fun quiz! 🎉

1. Which literary device is used when Joan’s trial symbolizes the struggle between faith and institutional corruption?

• A) Metaphor
• B) Irony
• C) Hyperbole

2. What does Joan’s shorn hair symbolize?

• A) Her victory
• B) Loss of femininity and identity
• C) Her rebellion

3. Which technique is used to emphasize Joan’s emotional state through intense close-ups?

• A) Sound design
• B) Lighting
• C) Cinematography