“The Sting,” directed by George Roy Hill and released in 1973, is a classic caper film set in the 1930s. It follows two con men, Johnny Hooker (Robert Redford) and Henry Gondorff (Paul Newman), as they seek revenge on a crime boss, Doyle Lonnegan (Robert Shaw). The film is renowned for its intricate plot , clever twists, and the memorable ragtime score by Scott Joplin.
Irony
Movie Scene Device Example Johnny Hooker wins big but immediately loses his partner. Dramatic Irony : Audience knows Hooker’s trouble. Lonnegan trusts Hooker, not knowing he’s the conman. Situational Irony : Trust placed in the wrong person.
Foreshadowing
Movie Scene Device Example Luther’s death hinting at the larger con to come. Dialogue and visual cues about danger.The introduction of fake betting parlor. Hints at the complexity and deceit in the climax .
Symbolism
Movie Scene Device Example The recurring poker game. Symbolizes deceit and strategy. The horse racing bets. Represents risk and unpredictability.
Metaphor
Movie Scene Device Example Hooker’s life compared to a card game. His moves are strategic but risky. The con itself as a “sting.” Metaphor for the elaborate deception.
Allusion
Movie Scene Device Example References to historical figures in the dialogue . Adds realism and context to the era. The use of Scott Joplin’s music. Alludes to the cultural backdrop of the 1930s.
Flashback
Movie Scene Device Example Gondorff’s past cons explained through flashbacks. Provides background and depth to his character. Hooker’s memories of Luther. Motivates his quest for revenge.
Motif
Movie Scene Device Example The motif of cards and games. Recurs to symbolize strategy and deception. Repeated imagery of trains and travel. Symbolizes the journey and transitions.
Juxtaposition
Movie Scene Device Example The stark contrast between Hooker’s naivety and Gondorff’s expertise. Highlights their dynamic and development. Scenes of glitz and glamour vs. gritty back alleys. Emphasizes the duality of their world.
Dialogue
Movie Scene Device Example Hooker’s banter with Lonnegan. Reveals character and creates tension. Conversations between Hooker and Gondorff. Develops their mentor-mentee relationship.
Red Herring
Movie Scene Device Example The fake assassination of Gondorff. Misleads the audience, heightening suspense. The unexpected twists in the betting parlor. Distracts from the true con’s nature.
Johnny Hooker
Device Explanation Irony Hooker’s youthful naivety juxtaposed with his cunning nature. Symbolism His red tie symbolizes his boldness and daring personality. Dialogue His witty banter reveals his quick thinking and street-smart nature.
Henry Gondorff
Device Explanation Flashback Reveals his illustrious past and skills as a seasoned conman. Metaphor Gondorff as a chess master, always several moves ahead. Dialogue His calm, calculated speech contrasts with Hooker’s impulsiveness.
Doyle Lonnegan
Device Explanation Irony His trust in Hooker leads to his downfall , showcasing situational irony . Juxtaposition His ruthless nature contrasted with the protagonists’ charm. Symbolism His luxurious surroundings symbolize his ill-gotten wealth.
Character Dynamics
Hooker and Gondorff : Their relationship evolves from mentor-mentee to equal partners, driven by dialogue and shared experiences.Hooker and Lonnegan : Their cat-and-mouse dynamic is fraught with irony and tension, highlighted through strategic dialogue and misdirection.
Deception and Trust
Device Explanation Irony Trust misplaced leads to dramatic twists. Symbolism Games and cards as symbols of deception. Dialogue Conversations laden with double meanings and hidden agendas.
Revenge
Device Explanation Flashback Motivates Hooker’s actions and desire for vengeance. Metaphor The con as a metaphor for intricate, calculated revenge. Juxtaposition The protagonists’ noble cause vs. Lonnegan’s villainy.
Brotherhood and Loyalty
Device Explanation Motif Recurring themes of partnership and loyalty. Dialogue Reveals the deep bond between characters, especially Hooker and Gondorff. Symbolism Items exchanged (like Hooker’s red tie) symbolize trust and loyalty.
Visual and Sound Techniques
Literary Device Technique Explanation Irony Cinematography Close-ups to reveal characters’ true feelings. Symbolism Set Design Period-accurate props to reinforce themes. Flashback Editing Smooth transitions to past events enrich the narrative . Dialogue Sound Design Background score changes to highlight key dialogues.
Scene Selection and Breakdown
The Final Con (YouTube Link: Scene )
Breakdown : This climactic scene reveals the full extent of the con. The intricate setup, the misdirection, and the final reveal all tie together the film’s themes of deception and revenge. The use of close-up shots and a dramatic score heighten the tension, while the dialogue drives the narrative forward.
The Poker Game (YouTube Link: Scene )
Breakdown : This scene showcases the film’s use of irony and foreshadowing . Lonnegan’s confidence is undercut by his ignorance of the con unfolding around him. The tension is palpable, driven by sharp dialogue and strategic cinematography.
The Train Station Meet (YouTube Link: Scene )
Breakdown : This early scene sets the tone for the film’s use of motifs and metaphors. The trains symbolize the journey and constant movement in the characters’ lives. The dialogue hints at the larger plot and establishes key character dynamics.
Interactive Quiz
Question 1: Which literary device is primarily used when Lonnegan trusts Hooker, not knowing he’s the conman?
Question 2: How does the film use flashbacks to develop Gondorff’s character?
A) By showing his expertise in conning.
B) By highlighting his failures.
C) By contrasting his past with his present.
D) By revealing his motivations.
Question 3: Which device is highlighted by the recurring poker games in the film?
