Literary Devices in The Gospel According to Matthew (1964) ✍️

Brief Intro

“The Gospel According to Matthew” is a 1964 Italian film directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini. This powerful and poetic adaptation of the Gospel of Matthew brings to life the story of Jesus Christ through a blend of neorealism and religious reverence. Pasolini’s interpretation stands out for its raw, human portrayal of biblical events and characters, providing a unique cinematic experience that bridges spirituality and realism.

Contents

Literary Devices Used in The Gospel According to Matthew

Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
Jesus calming the storm	Metaphor for bringing peace amidst chaos
Parable of the Mustard Seed	Growth of faith symbolized by a tiny seed

Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
The crucifixion	Symbolizes ultimate sacrifice and redemption
Jesus’ baptism	Represents purification and new beginnings

Allusion

Movie Scene	Device Example
Sermon on the Mount	References to Old Testament laws
Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem	Alludes to prophecies of the Messiah

Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Jesus’ trial before Pilate	The innocent judged by the corrupt
Judas’ betrayal	Betrayal by a close disciple

Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
Jesus predicting Peter’s denial	Hints at Peter’s future denial
Parable of the Ten Virgins	Foreshadows the Second Coming of Christ

Hyperbole

Movie Scene	Device Example
“If your right hand causes you to sin”	Extreme measure to avoid sin
“Faith can move mountains”	Exaggeration to emphasize the power of faith

Allegory

Movie Scene	Device Example
Parable of the Good Samaritan	Allegory for compassion and neighborly love
Parable of the Prodigal Son	Represents forgiveness and reconciliation

Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Device Example
Jesus’ humble birth vs. Herod’s palace	Contrast between humility and opulence
Jesus and the Pharisees	Juxtaposition of genuine piety vs. hypocrisy

Repetition

Movie Scene	Device Example
“Verily, I say unto you”	Repeated to emphasize Jesus’ authority
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees”	Highlights the criticism of religious leaders

Imagery

Movie Scene	Device Example
The Last Supper	Vivid description of the final meal
Jesus praying in Gethsemane	Evokes the intensity of His anguish

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Character Studies

Jesus

Literary Device	Explanation
Metaphor	Jesus is often depicted as the “light” guiding humanity.
Symbolism	His actions and words symbolize spiritual truths and divine love.

Mary

Literary Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Represents purity and maternal devotion.
Juxtaposition	Her calmness contrasts with the chaos around Jesus’ ministry

Judas

Literary Device	Explanation
Irony	Betrays Jesus despite being a close disciple.
Foreshadowing	Hints of his eventual betrayal seen in his interactions.\|

Character Dynamics

Device	Explanation
Juxtaposition	The contrast between Jesus’ divine nature and human interactions emphasizes His unique role.
Irony	The interactions between Jesus and the Pharisees highlight the irony of their misunderstanding of His mission.

Thematic Analysis

Faith and Doubt

Device	Explanation
Metaphor	The mustard seed symbolizes the potential of faith.
Foreshadowing	Jesus predicting Peter’s denial underscores the theme of human weakness and doubt.

Sacrifice and Redemption

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	The crucifixion represents the ultimate act of sacrifice for humanity.
Allegory	The Parable of the Prodigal Son illustrates themes of forgiveness and redemption.

Compassion and Justice

Device	Explanation
Allegory	The Good Samaritan parable highlights the importance of compassion.
Irony	The trial before Pilate underscores the miscarriage of justice.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Metaphor	Lighting and shadows	Jesus as the “light” is often highlighted in bright scenes.
Symbolism	Costume design	The simple attire of Jesus vs. the rich robes of Pharisees symbolize purity vs. hypocrisy.
Irony	Camera angles	Low angles on corrupt leaders vs. high angles on Jesus emphasize moral positions.
Imagery	Cinematography	The serene landscapes during Jesus’ teachings evoke peace and divinity.

Key Scene Analysis

Scene Selection

Jesus Calming the Storm

YouTube Link: Jesus Calming the Storm
Breakdown: This scene uses metaphor and cinematic techniques like dramatic music and tight close-ups to emphasize Jesus’ divine power and the disciples’ fear.

The Last Supper

YouTube Link: The Last Supper
Breakdown: Rich in symbolism, the Last Supper scene uses chiaroscuro lighting to highlight the gravity of the moment, symbolizing Jesus’ impending sacrifice.

Conclusion

Interactive Quiz

1. Which literary device is used when Jesus refers to faith as a mustard seed?

2. The crucifixion in the film symbolizes:

A. Sacrifice and redemption
B. Compassion and justice
C. Faith and doubt
D. Irony

3. What device is highlighted through the contrast of Jesus’ simple attire and the Pharisees’ rich robes?