Platoon (1986)

Brief Intro

Released in 1986, Platoon is a gripping war film directed by Oliver Stone. It presents a harrowing depiction of the Vietnam War, drawing from Stone’s own experiences as a soldier. The film follows a young recruit, Chris Taylor, as he grapples with the brutal realities of war and the moral complexities that come with it.

Literary Devices Used in Platoon

1. Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
Chris discovering the mutilated village	The village represents the innocence destroyed by war.
The final battle amidst a burning jungle	The burning jungle symbolizes hell on earth, reflecting the internal and external chaos.

2. Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Chris volunteers for war, expecting honor	Chris finds disillusionment and trauma instead of honor.
Sgt. Barnes punishes Chris for not following orders	Barnes himself often disregards orders for personal reasons.

3. Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
Initial camaraderie between Chris and King	Foreshadows Chris’s reliance on King’s wisdom later.
The ominous atmosphere before the night ambush	Predicts the disastrous attack that follows.

4. Allegory

Movie Scene	Device Example
The conflicting ideologies of Barnes and Elias	Represents the struggle between good and evil.
The platoon’s fragmentation	Reflects the division within American society over the Vietnam War.

5. Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
Chris’s journal entries	Serve as a metaphor for his internal battle and search for meaning.
Elias’s death	Elias’s death is a metaphor for the loss of innocence and idealism.

6. Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Device Example
Barnes and Elias’s leadership styles	Highlights the moral conflict within the platoon.
Peaceful moments in the jungle contrasted with violent combat	Emphasizes the fragility of peace in war.

7. Imagery

Movie Scene	Device Example
Descriptions of the jungle environment	Creates a vivid, almost palpable sense of place.
The depiction of battle scenes	Evokes the chaos and terror of warfare.

8. Allusion

Movie Scene	Device Example
References to classic war literature in dialogue	Adds depth and context to the soldiers’ experiences.
Elias’s Christ-like pose as he is shot	Alludes to religious martyrdom and sacrifice.

9. Flashbacks

Movie Scene	Device Example
Chris’s memories of home	Contrast his current reality with his past life.
Elias reflecting on his earlier service	Provides background on his disillusionment with the war.

10. Personification

Movie Scene	Device Example
The jungle as an oppressive, almost sentient force	Represents the omnipresent threat and unpredictability of war.
The platoon’s camaraderie	Personifies the collective struggle and brotherhood among soldiers.

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Character Studies

Chris Taylor

Literary Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Chris’s journey symbolizes the loss of innocence and the harsh reality of war.
Irony	He joins the war seeking honor but finds disillusionment and trauma.

Sgt. Barnes

Literary Device	Explanation
Allegory	Represents the darker, ruthless side of human nature and war.
Juxtaposition	His brutal methods are contrasted with Elias’s more humane approach.

Sgt. Elias

Literary Device	Explanation
Allusion	His Christ-like pose as he dies alludes to martyrdom and sacrifice.
Foreshadowing	Early scenes of peace foreshadow his tragic end.

Character Dynamics

The interactions between Barnes and Elias drive the narrative, highlighting the moral conflict within the platoon. Chris’s relationships with both men illustrate his internal struggle between right and wrong. The dynamic between soldiers of different backgrounds and beliefs showcases the broader societal divisions over the Vietnam War.

Thematic Analysis

The Horror of War

Device	Explanation
Imagery	Graphic depictions of battle scenes underscore the chaos and brutality of war.
Symbolism	The decimated village symbolizes the destruction caused by war.

Moral Ambiguity

Device	Explanation
Irony	Chris’s expectation of honor is met with disillusionment, reflecting the moral complexities of war.
Allegory	The conflict between Barnes and Elias represents the struggle between good and evil.

Brotherhood

Device	Explanation
Personification	The platoon’s camaraderie embodies the collective struggle and bond among soldiers.
Juxtaposition	Peaceful moments of camaraderie are starkly contrasted with violent combat scenes.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Visual and Sound Techniques

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Symbolism	Lighting and color	Dark, muted colors and shadows enhance the ominous atmosphere.
Irony	Music	Juxtaposing serene music with violent scenes underscores the irony of war’s reality.
Imagery	Camera angles and shots	Close-ups and wide shots create a visceral sense of the battlefield’s chaos.
Allegory	Set design and props	The contrasting conditions of Barnes’s and Elias’s environments highlight their ideological differences.

Key Scene Analysis

Scene Selection: The Final Battle

Scene Breakdown:

• Link to Scene on YouTube
• The chaotic visuals, intense sound design, and poignant performances make this scene a powerful culmination of the film’s themes.

Analysis: The final battle scene utilizes intense imagery and symbolism, with the burning jungle representing hell. The chaotic sound design heightens the sense of disarray, while the visual contrast between Chris’s and Barnes’s actions emphasizes their moral divergence.

Scene Selection: Elias’s Death

Scene Breakdown:

• Link to Scene on YouTube
• This pivotal scene uses dramatic imagery and allusion to create a lasting impact.

Analysis: Elias’s death scene, with its Christ-like imagery, alludes to martyrdom and sacrifice. The use of slow motion and poignant music underscores the tragedy and heroism, enhancing the emotional depth.

Conclusion

Interactive Multiple Choice Quiz

Question 1: What literary device is prominently used when Chris discovers the mutilated village?

• A) Metaphor
• B) Symbolism
• C) Irony
• D) Allusion

Question 2: Sgt. Barnes’s punishment of Chris for not following orders is an example of:

• A) Juxtaposition
• B) Foreshadowing
• C) Irony
• D) Allegory

Question 3: The final battle scene uses which literary device to symbolize chaos?

• A) Metaphor
• B) Imagery
• C) Personification
• D) Symbolism

Question 4: Elias’s Christ-like pose as he dies is an example of:

• A) Flashback
• B) Allusion
• C) Symbolism
• D) Metaphor