Song of the Sea (2014)

Brief Intro

“Song of the Sea,” directed by Tomm Moore in 2014, is a captivating animated film that explores Irish folklore through the enchanting story of Ben and his selkie sister, Saoirse. This visually stunning film intertwines myth and reality, creating a magical narrative rich with literary devices and themes.

Literary Devices Used in Song of the Sea

Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
Saoirse’s transformation into a seal	Represents her dual nature as a selkie
Ben’s journey to save Saoirse	Symbolizes his personal growth

Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
The seashell flute	Connection to their mother and heritage
The lighthouse	Guidance and hope

Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
Saoirse’s initial inability to speak	Hints at her selkie nature
Granny’s strictness	Predicts future conflicts

Personification

Movie Scene	Device Example
The animated owls	Represent Macha’s influence
The ocean as a character	Acts as a force guiding the protagonists

Allusion

Movie Scene	Device Example
References to Irish folklore characters	Integrates cultural myths
The song “Amhrán na Farraige”	Evokes traditional Irish music

Allegory

Movie Scene	Device Example
Ben’s quest	Represents a journey of self-discovery
Macha’s transformation	Reflects the struggle of letting go

Hyperbole

Movie Scene	Device Example
The exaggerated size of Macha’s owls	Emphasizes her power
Ben’s dramatic reaction to Granny’s rules	Highlights his rebellious nature

Imagery

Movie Scene	Device Example
The depiction of the underwater world	Vividly portrays the magical realm
The glowing lights leading Saoirse	Creates an ethereal atmosphere

Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Ben initially resenting Saoirse	Eventually becomes her protector
Macha’s attempt to control emotions	Ends up causing more pain

Motif

Movie Scene	Device Example
Recurring seashells	Symbolize the connection to the sea
Frequent use of lullabies	Represents comfort and tradition

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Ben

Literary Device	Explanation
Foreshadowing	His initial resentment towards Saoirse hints at their eventual strong bond.
Allegory	Ben’s journey symbolizes a rite of passage from childhood to maturity.

Saoirse

Literary Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Her selkie form symbolizes her connection to nature and the sea.
Imagery	Her glowing presence often highlights her mystical nature.

Conor (Father)

Literary Device	Explanation
Irony	His attempts to protect his children by distancing them from their heritage inadvertently puts them in danger.
Metaphor	The lighthouse he maintains symbolizes his role as a guide and protector.

Granny

Literary Device	Explanation
Hyperbole	Her exaggerated strictness serves to highlight the conflict between old and new.
Personification	Her character represents the conflict of tradition versus change.

Macha

Literary Device	Explanation
Allegory	Her character represents the destructive nature of suppressing emotions.
Symbolism	Her transformation symbolizes the release of pent-up grief and acceptance.

Character Dynamics

Ben and Saoirse’s evolving relationship drives the narrative, highlighting themes of family and acceptance. Conor’s protective nature contrasts with Granny’s rigidity, creating tension that propels the story. Macha’s interactions with the children underscore the film’s message about the importance of embracing emotions and heritage.

Thematic Analysis

Family Bonds

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	The seashell flute represents the unbreakable bond between the siblings and their mother.
Foreshadowing	Early scenes of family discord hint at the eventual reconciliation and strengthening of family ties.

Heritage and Identity

Device	Explanation
Allusion	References to Irish folklore characters ground the story in cultural heritage.
Metaphor	Saoirse’s transformation into a seal represents the struggle of embracing one’s true identity.

Emotional Suppression and Release

Device	Explanation
Allegory	Macha’s character arc symbolizes the harm of suppressing emotions and the healing power of expressing them.
Hyperbole	Macha’s exaggerated control over emotions highlights the theme’s importance.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Imagery	Visual Design	The film’s vibrant and detailed animation brings the mystical world to life.
Symbolism	Soundtrack	The use of traditional Irish music reinforces the cultural themes.

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Personification	Voice Acting	The voice acting imbues the characters, especially the non-human ones, with distinct personalities.
Metaphor	Lighting	The use of light and shadow visually represents the characters’ internal struggles.

Key Scene Analysis

Scene 1: Saoirse’s Transformation

YouTube Link

Breakdown: This scene uses vivid imagery and symbolism to depict Saoirse’s transformation into a seal. The glowing lights and underwater visuals create a magical atmosphere, emphasizing her connection to the sea and her true identity.

Scene 2: Ben’s Journey

YouTube Link

Breakdown: Ben’s journey is rich with allegorical elements. As he faces various challenges, the scene uses foreshadowing and metaphor to illustrate his growth and the deepening bond with his sister.

Scene 3: Confrontation with Macha

YouTube Link

Breakdown: The confrontation scene highlights the theme of emotional suppression. Macha’s exaggerated control is depicted through hyperbole, while the dramatic visual and sound design enhance the allegorical message of the scene.

Conclusion

To engage your understanding of the literary devices in “Song of the Sea,” take this interactive multiple-choice quiz!

Quiz: Literary Devices in Song of the Sea

1. Which literary device is used when Saoirse transforms into a seal?
   • A) Metaphor
   • B) Hyperbole
   • C) Irony
2. What does the seashell flute symbolize?
   • A) Power
   • B) Family connection
   • C) Fear
3. How is foreshadowing used in the film?
   • A) By hinting at future events
   • B) Through exaggerated character traits
   • C) By referencing Irish folklore