The Seventh Seal (1957)

Brief Intro

‘The Seventh Seal’ is a 1957 Swedish film directed by Ingmar Bergman. Set during the Black Death, it follows a disillusioned knight, Antonius Block, who returns from the Crusades and challenges Death to a game of chess, seeking answers about life, death, and the existence of God. The film is renowned for its profound philosophical themes, striking imagery, and innovative use of literary and cinematic techniques.

Literary Devices Used in The Seventh Seal

Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
Opening scene with the knight on the beach	The chess game symbolizes the struggle between life and death.
The procession of flagellants	Represents humanity’s search for meaning amidst suffering.

Allegory

Movie Scene	Device Example
Chess game between Block and Death	An allegory of human existence and the inevitability of death.
The dance of death at the end	Represents the unity of humanity in the face of mortality.

Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
Block’s encounter with Death	Death as a constant, unavoidable companion.
The squire’s view on life	Life as a futile quest for meaning.

Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Jof’s visions being dismissed	Dramatic irony as the audience knows Jof’s visions are true.
The knight’s quest for God	Situational irony in Block’s lack of faith despite his religious crusade.

Motif

Movie Scene	Device Example
Repeated chess games	The motif of chess represents life’s strategic battles.
Constant presence of religious imagery	Highlights the pervasive influence of religion in medieval life.

Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
Block’s first encounter with Death	Foreshadows the inevitability of his fate.
The plague’s spread	Suggests the coming doom for many characters.

Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Device Example
The knight’s solemnity vs. the actors’ joy	Highlights the contrast between different approaches to life.
Death’s calm demeanor vs. the panic of others	Emphasizes the inevitability and impartiality of death.

Allusion

Movie Scene	Device Example
References to the Book of Revelation	Alludes to apocalyptic themes.
Block’s existential questions	Alludes to philosophical debates about God and existence.

Personification

Movie Scene	Device Example
Death as a character	Gives a human form to the abstract concept of death.
The plague	Personified as an unstoppable force that looms over the characters.

Paradox

Movie Scene	Device Example
Block’s quest for faith despite his doubt	A paradox of seeking belief while being skeptical.
The actors’ joy in the face of death	Paradoxical coexistence of joy and imminent doom.

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Antonius Block

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Block represents the human struggle with faith and the search for meaning.
Irony	Despite his religious past, he is deeply skeptical and questions God’s existence.

Jöns (The Squire)

Device	Explanation
Juxtaposition	His practical, cynical view contrasts with Block’s philosophical quest.
Metaphor	Represents the voice of reason and the harsh reality of life.

Death

Device	Explanation
Personification	Embodies the inevitability and impartiality of death.
Allegory	Serves as an allegory for the inescapable fate that awaits all humans.

Jof and Mia

Device	Explanation
Irony	Jof’s visions, initially dismissed, reveal deeper truths about the world.
Motif	Their joyful life contrasts with the somberness of other characters, highlighting the value of simple pleasures.

Character Dynamics

The relationships between characters drive the narrative by juxtaposing different philosophical perspectives. Block’s interactions with Death and Jöns reveal his inner turmoil and existential crisis. Meanwhile, Jof and Mia’s relationship provides a counterpoint of hope and innocence, underscoring the film’s themes of faith and doubt.

Thematic Analysis

Mortality

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	The chess game symbolizes the constant presence of death in human life.
Foreshadowing	The plague’s spread foreshadows the inevitable demise of many characters.

Faith and Doubt

Device	Explanation
Paradox	Block’s simultaneous quest for faith and doubt reflects the human condition.
Allegory	The entire film serves as an allegory for the search for spiritual meaning.

The Human Condition

Device	Explanation
Metaphor	Life as a chess game, with each move reflecting human choices and struggles.
Juxtaposition	The actors’ joyful existence contrasts with the knight’s existential dread.

Existentialism

Device	Explanation
Irony	Block’s religious crusade leads him to doubt rather than faith.
Motif	Repeated references to existential questions highlight the film’s philosophical nature.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Symbolism	Visual imagery	The stark black-and-white cinematography emphasizes the themes of life and death.
Irony	Dialogue and acting	The characters’ interactions often reveal deeper truths through ironic statements.
Allegory	Set design	The medieval setting creates a timeless allegory about human existence.
Metaphor	Cinematography	The use of light and shadow metaphorically represents the struggle between good and evil.
Juxtaposition	Editing	Rapid cuts between different characters highlight their contrasting worldviews.

Key Scene Analysis

Opening Scene: Chess with Death Watch on YouTube

• Breakdown: This iconic scene sets the stage for the entire film. The chess game symbolizes the strategic nature of life and the inevitability of death. The stark beach setting enhances the existential themes.

Dance of Death Finale Watch on YouTube

• Breakdown: The final scene where Death leads a dance of the dead is a powerful visual allegory of human mortality. The use of silhouette and the haunting music amplify the theme of inevitable death.

Procession of Flagellants Watch on YouTube

• Breakdown: This scene vividly depicts the desperation and fervor of people seeking redemption during the plague. The stark imagery and intense performances convey the pervasive fear and search for meaning.

Conclusion

Interactive Quiz

1. What does the chess game symbolize in ‘The Seventh Seal’?
   • A) A strategy for winning battles
   • B) The struggle between life and death
   • C) A pastime for knights
2. Which literary device is used when Block doubts his faith despite his religious past?
   • A) Irony
   • B) Metaphor
   • C) Juxtaposition
3. How does the film’s visual imagery enhance its themes?
   • A) By creating colorful, vibrant scenes
   • B) Through stark black-and-white cinematography
   • C) By using modern-day settings
4. What does the procession of flagellants represent?
   • A) A festival
   • B) Humanity’s search for meaning amidst suffering
   • C) A battle strategy

Answers:

1. B
2. A
3. B
4. B