Room (2015)

Brief Intro

Room (2015), directed by Lenny Abrahamson, is a compelling drama that tells the story of a young boy, Jack, and his mother, Joy, who are held captive in a small room. The film captures their journey from confinement to freedom, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit.

Literary Devices Used in Room

Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
Jack’s birthday cake scene	The cake symbolizes the semblance of normalcy Joy tries to create.
The skylight	The skylight symbolizes hope and the outside world.

Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
Joy’s reference to “Room” as a world	The room is a metaphor for their entire existence.
Jack’s imaginative play	Jack’s imaginative play serves as a metaphor for his coping mechanisms.

Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Joy’s interaction with the captor	The irony of Joy having to be polite to her captor.
Media interview post-rescue	The media’s intrusive questioning is ironic given their lack of understanding.

Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
Joy teaching Jack about the outside	Foreshadows their eventual escape.
The captor bringing painkillers	Hints at Joy’s escalating desperation.

Imagery

Movie Scene	Device Example
Jack’s view of the skylight	Vivid imagery of the sky and light.
Description of the Room	Detailed imagery of their confined space.

Allusion

Movie Scene	Device Example
Joy reading stories to Jack	Allusions to various fairy tales and myths.
The TV shows Jack watches	References to the outside world’s culture.

Hyperbole

Movie Scene	Device Example
Jack’s description of “Room”	Exaggerates the importance of their confined space.
Joy’s reaction to their escape	Overwhelmed expressions of freedom.

Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Device Example
Life inside “Room” vs. outside world	Contrasts their confinement with newfound freedom.
Jack’s innocence vs. harsh reality	Juxtaposes Jack’s naive perspective with the real world.

Flashback

Movie Scene	Device Example
Joy’s memories of her past life	Flashbacks to her life before captivity.
Jack’s reflections on “Room”	Flashbacks to their time in captivity.

Motif

Movie Scene	Device Example
Repeated mention of “Room”	The motif of “Room” signifies their world.
Use of light and darkness	Light symbolizes hope, darkness represents fear.

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Character Studies

Joy (Ma)

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Joy symbolizes resilience and maternal love.
Foreshadowing	Her plans with Jack foreshadow their escape.
Metaphor	Her struggle is a metaphor for overcoming trauma.

Jack

Device	Explanation
Imagery	Jack’s vivid descriptions reflect his imaginative world.
Juxtaposition	His innocence juxtaposes the harsh reality outside.
Symbolism	Jack symbolizes hope and renewal.

Character Dynamics

Joy and Jack

• Symbolism: Their bond symbolizes the unbreakable spirit of love.
• Imagery: The way Joy nurtures Jack creates a powerful image of motherhood under duress.

Joy and Old Nick

• Irony: The irony in Joy’s forced civility towards her captor.
• Foreshadowing: Their interactions foreshadow the tension and eventual escape.

Jack and the World

• Juxtaposition: Jack’s naive exploration of the outside world contrasts sharply with his confined life.
• Metaphor: Jack’s adaptation symbolizes the human ability to overcome adversity.

Thematic Analysis

Freedom vs. Confinement

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	The skylight as a symbol of freedom.
Juxtaposition	Contrast between Room and the outside world.

Maternal Love

Device	Explanation
Imagery	Vivid portrayal of Joy’s sacrifices.
Symbolism	Joy’s actions symbolize unconditional love.

Innocence

Device	Explanation
Metaphor	Jack’s innocence as a metaphor for purity.
Juxtaposition	His innocent view juxtaposed with harsh reality.

Trauma and Recovery

Device	Explanation
Flashback	Joy’s flashbacks to her life before captivity.
Symbolism	Their journey symbolizes the path to healing.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Symbolism	Lighting	Use of light to symbolize hope and darkness for confinement.
Imagery	Camera angles	Close-ups to create intense, vivid imagery.
Irony	Dialogue	Subtle, ironic dialogues that reveal deeper truths.
Flashback	Editing	Seamless transitions between past and present.
Juxtaposition	Scene contrast	Contrasting scenes of confinement and freedom.

Key Scene Analysis

Scene 1: Jack’s Escape Plan

Watch Scene on YouTube

• Literary Devices: Metaphor, Symbolism
• Cinematic Techniques: Close-up shots, Suspenseful music
• Breakdown: This scene uses metaphorical elements as Jack’s escape plan represents his rebirth into the world. The intense close-ups and suspenseful music amplify the tension and highlight the significance of his journey to freedom.

Scene 2: Joy and Jack’s Reunion

Watch Scene on YouTube

• Literary Devices: Imagery, Irony
• Cinematic Techniques: Soft lighting, Emotional score
• Breakdown: The reunion scene is rich with imagery, depicting the warmth and relief of their freedom. The irony is evident in their happiness juxtaposed with the painful memories of their past confinement.

Conclusion

Interactive Quiz

1. What does the skylight in Room symbolize?
   • a) Joy’s past life
   • b) Hope and the outside world
   • c) Jack’s imagination
   • d) Their confinement
2. Which literary device is used when Joy refers to “Room” as their entire world?
   • a) Irony
   • b) Metaphor
   • c) Allusion
   • d) Hyperbole
3. What technique is used to enhance the imagery in the movie?
   • a) Flashback
   • b) Juxtaposition
   • c) Close-up shots
   • d) Symbolism