Brief Intro
“Schindler’s List,” directed by Steven Spielberg, is a powerful historical drama released in 1993. The film is based on the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of over a thousand Polish Jews during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. The movie is renowned for its poignant portrayal of human compassion amidst the atrocities of World War II.
Literary Devices Used in Schindler’s List
Symbolism
Movie Scene Device Example The girl in the red coat The red coat symbolizes innocence amidst the horror of the Holocaust. Schindler’s ring Inscribed with the Talmudic verse, it symbolizes the impact of Schindler’s deeds.
Irony
Movie Scene Device Example Schindler’s initial motivation Schindler starts as a war profiteer, only to become a savior. Commandant Göth’s admiration for Schindler Göth admires Schindler’s business acumen, unaware of his efforts to save Jews.
Juxtaposition
Movie Scene Device Example Luxury of Schindler’s life vs. Jewish ghetto Highlights the stark contrast between their lives. Amon Göth’s brutality vs. Schindler’s compassion Shows differing human responses to power.
Foreshadowing
Movie Scene Device Example Introduction of the girl in the red coat Foreshadows the atrocities of the liquidation of the ghetto. Schindler’s emotional reaction to the ghetto liquidation Indicates his eventual transformation.
Metaphor
Movie Scene Device Example Schindler’s List itself Represents life and salvation. The black-and-white film with splashes of color Reflects the stark moral contrasts of the time.
Motif
Movie Scene Device Example The list Repeated references to the list emphasize its significance. The train journeys Symbolizes the passage from life to death or survival.
Pathos
Movie Scene Device Example The liquidation of the ghetto Evokes deep emotional response from the audience. The ending scene at Schindler’s grave Induces a strong emotional closure.
Allusion
Movie Scene Device Example Talmudic quote on Schindler’s ring Alludes to Jewish teachings and the value of life. The use of “Jewish prayer” Alludes to the religious and cultural identity of the victims.
Imagery
Movie Scene Device Example The depiction of Auschwitz Creates a vivid and horrifying image of the concentration camp. The scenes in the ghetto Conveys the squalor and despair of the Jewish community.
Flashback
Movie Scene Device Example Schindler’s memories of his factory Highlights his changing motivations and realizations. The survivors recalling their experiences Provides context and depth to the narrative .
Character Analysis Through Literary Devices
Oskar Schindler
Literary Device Explanation Irony Initially a selfish profiteer, Schindler evolves into a compassionate savior. Symbolism His character is symbolized by the ring he receives, reflecting his transformation.
Itzhak Stern
Literary Device Explanation Foreshadowing His cautious optimism foreshadows the eventual success of Schindler’s efforts. Motif Stern’s meticulous list-keeping emphasizes the importance of each life saved.
Amon Göth
Literary Device Explanation Juxtaposition Göth’s brutal nature contrasts sharply with Schindler’s growing humanity. Metaphor Göth represents the monstrous side of human nature unchecked by morality.
Character Dynamics
Schindler and Stern
Dynamic : Initially transactional, their relationship grows into a deep mutual respect and partnership.Literary Devices : Symbolism (the list), Juxtaposition (their backgrounds).
Schindler and Göth
Dynamic : A complex interplay of manipulation and deception, where Schindler hides his true intentions from Göth.Literary Devices : Irony , Juxtaposition .
Schindler and the Jews
Dynamic : Schindler’s relationship with his Jewish workers transforms from exploitation to genuine care and protection.Literary Devices : Pathos , Symbolism .
Thematic Analysis
Humanity vs. Inhumanity
Device Explanation Juxtaposition Contrasts between Schindler’s compassion and Göth’s brutality highlight this theme . Symbolism The red coat symbolizes lost innocence amidst human cruelty.
Moral Transformation
Device Explanation Irony Schindler’s journey from profiteer to savior underscores the potential for moral growth. Metaphor Schindler’s list represents the lives he saves and his own redemption.
The Value of Life
Device Explanation Pathos Emotional scenes, such as the liquidation of the ghetto, underscore the preciousness of life. Allusion Talmudic quotes and Jewish prayers highlight cultural and religious respect for life.
Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices
Literary Device Technique Explanation Symbolism Color (red coat) The selective use of color in an otherwise black-and-white film emphasizes symbolic elements. Pathos Music (violin score) The haunting score heightens the emotional impact of key scenes. Juxtaposition Lighting (contrast ) High-contrast lighting accentuates the moral dichotomy between characters and situations. Irony Camera angles (close-ups) Close-ups of Schindler’s reactions reveal the ironic shift in his motivations.
Key Scene Analysis
Scene: The Girl in the Red Coat
Link : Watch on YouTube Breakdown : This scene uses color symbolism to highlight the innocence lost amidst the horror of the Holocaust. The red coat stands out in the black-and-white film, making the girl’s fate profoundly impactful and unforgettable.
Scene: The Liquidation of the Ghetto
Link : Watch on YouTube Breakdown : This scene employs pathos and juxtaposition to evoke an emotional response from the audience. The brutality of the Nazis is contrasted with the helplessness of the Jewish families, underscoring the theme of humanity vs. inhumanity.
Scene: Schindler’s Breakdown
Link : Watch on YouTube Breakdown : Schindler’s emotional breakdown at the end of the film uses pathos and irony . His regret over not saving more lives is a poignant reflection of his moral transformation and the value of human life.
Conclusion
Interactive Quiz: Test Your Understanding!
What does the girl in the red coat symbolize?
A) Innocence lost
B) Wealth
C) Schindler’s wife
D) The Nazi regime
Which literary device is primarily used to depict Schindler’s initial motivation and subsequent transformation?
How does the film use color to enhance its symbolism ?
A) Through Schindler’s black coat
B) By making the entire film in color
C) Selective use of color in a black-and-white film
D) By color-coding characters
What does Schindler’s list metaphorically represent?
A) His wealth
B) His list of enemies
C) Life and salvation
D) His factory inventory
Which device is used to highlight the stark moral contrasts in the film?
Answers : 1-A, 2-B, 3-C, 4-C, 5-C
