The Philadelphia Story (1940)

Brief Intro

“The Philadelphia Story,” directed by George Cukor and released in 1940, is a classic romantic comedy that revolves around the socialite Tracy Lord’s tumultuous relationships and impending wedding. With a star-studded cast including Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and James Stewart, the film masterfully blends wit, romance, and social commentary.

Literary Devices Used in The Philadelphia Story

Metaphor

Movie Scene	Example
Tracy comparing herself to a goddess	“You look to me like you were made for this moment”
Mike describing Tracy’s house as a museum	“This is not a house, it’s a museum”

Irony

Movie Scene	Example
Tracy’s remarriage to Dexter, despite her disdain for him at the beginning	“Dexter, you have no right to talk to me like that”
Mike’s critical view of the rich while falling for Tracy	“The prettiest sight in this fine, pretty world is the privileged class enjoying its privileges”

Symbolism

Movie Scene	Example
Tracy’s wedding veil symbolizing her purity and social status	Scene where she tries on her wedding dress
Dexter’s yacht, “True Love,” symbolizing their past relationship	Scene where they reminisce about the yacht

Satire

Movie Scene	Example
The depiction of the upper class’s trivial concerns	Opening party scene
Mike’s mocking attitude towards high society	His first interactions with Tracy and family

Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Example
Dexter giving Tracy a model of “True Love”	“True Love” will play a significant role in their reconciliation
Tracy’s doubts about her fiancé George	Conversations indicating her discomfort and doubts

Hyperbole

Movie Scene	Example
Tracy’s exaggerated reactions to minor incidents	Scene with the broken golf clubs
Dexter’s grandiose declarations of love and disdain	Their heated arguments and passionate moments

Paradox

Movie Scene	Example
Tracy’s desire for both independence and love	Her struggle throughout the movie
Mike’s simultaneous contempt and attraction to the elite	His evolving relationship with Tracy

Personification

Movie Scene	Example
Tracy describing “True Love” as a living entity	Conversations about the yacht
Mike’s descriptions of the Lord family home	“This house breathes old money”

Allusion

Movie Scene	Example
References to Greek mythology in describing Tracy	“She’s like a goddess”
Allusions to Shakespeare in dialogue	“All the world’s a stage” moments

Irony

Movie Scene	Example
Tracy’s realization about herself	“I was such a prig”
Dexter’s sardonic commentary on their past	“Champagne is a great leveler”

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Tracy Lord

Literary Device	Explanation
Metaphor	Tracy is often compared to a goddess, highlighting her untouchable status and beauty.
Irony	Tracy’s transformation from a seemingly perfect socialite to a flawed, relatable character is deeply ironic, showing her humanity.

Dexter Haven

Literary Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Dexter’s yacht, “True Love,” symbolizes his enduring feelings for Tracy and their complicated past.
Satire	His witty, satirical remarks about the upper class underscore his awareness and critique of social pretensions.

Mike Connor

Literary Device	Explanation
Irony	Mike’s criticism of the rich while being charmed by Tracy highlights his complex feelings about wealth and class.
Hyperbole	His exaggerated disdain for the elite contrasts with his growing affection for Tracy, showing internal conflict.

Character Dynamics

The interactions between Tracy, Dexter, and Mike drive the film’s narrative. Tracy’s relationships evolve through sharp dialogue and revealing moments, showcasing her growth. Dexter’s sardonic wit and genuine concern for Tracy’s happiness reveal deeper layers of his character, while Mike’s evolving views on class and love demonstrate personal growth influenced by his interactions with Tracy.

Thematic Analysis

Social Class and Privilege

Device	Explanation
Satire	The film uses satire to critique the frivolous concerns of the wealthy.
Irony	The irony in Mike’s character highlights the complexity of class relations.

Love and Marriage

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Objects like the yacht symbolize past and present relationships.
Foreshadowing	Early doubts about George foreshadow the rekindling of Tracy and Dexter’s romance.

Personal Growth and Self-Discovery

Device	Explanation
Paradox	Tracy’s paradoxical desires for independence and love illustrate her internal conflict.
Metaphor	Tracy’s transformation is metaphorically depicted through her interactions and changing perceptions.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Visual and Sound Techniques

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Metaphor	Close-ups	Close-ups on Tracy emphasize her ‘goddess’ status and evolving emotions.
Irony	Lighting	Contrasting light and shadow highlight ironic elements in characters’ revelations.
Symbolism	Props	The use of specific props, like the yacht model, visually represents deeper meanings.
Satire	Dialogue delivery	The actors’ delivery of satirical lines enhances the critique of social norms.

Key Scene Analysis

Scene 1: Opening Sequence

YouTube Link: Opening Sequence

Breakdown: The opening scene sets the tone with visual satire of the upper class’s trivial concerns. The exaggerated elegance and formalities are immediately apparent.

Scene 2: Tracy and Dexter’s Reunion

YouTube Link: Reunion Scene

Breakdown: This scene is rich with irony and metaphor. Dexter’s sardonic humor contrasts with Tracy’s initial aloofness, symbolizing their complex past.

Scene 3: Mike’s Epiphany

YouTube Link: Mike’s Epiphany

Breakdown: Mike’s realization about Tracy’s humanity is a turning point, highlighted by the use of lighting and close-ups to enhance his changing perceptions.

Conclusion

To wrap up our analysis, let’s test your understanding with an interactive multiple-choice quiz!

Quiz:

1. Which literary device is used when Tracy is compared to a goddess?
   • A) Irony
   • B) Metaphor
   • C) Satire
2. What does Dexter’s yacht symbolize?
   • A) Wealth
   • B) Love
   • C) Independence
3. How does the film critique social class?
   • A) Through metaphor
   • B) Through satire
   • C) Through hyperbole