Literary Devices in The Third Man (1949) ✍️

Brief Intro

“The Third Man,” directed by Carol Reed, is a 1949 British film noir classic set in post-WWII Vienna. Written by Graham Greene, the film stars Joseph Cotten as Holly Martins, an American writer who arrives in Vienna to find his friend Harry Lime (Orson Welles) dead. As Martins investigates, he uncovers a web of deception, corruption, and intrigue.

Contents

Literary Devices Used in The Third Man

1. Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Harry Lime’s “death” scene	The irony of Harry being thought dead but actually orchestrating the events.
Martins’ award speech	Martins’ speech on integrity while unknowingly aiding a criminal.

2. Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
The Ferris wheel scene	The Ferris wheel symbolizes the cyclical nature of crime and justice.
Vienna’s ruined buildings	Symbolizes the moral decay and ruin post-war.

3. Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
The porter hinting at Harry’s activities	Porter’s reluctance foreshadows Harry’s sinister deeds.
Anna’s distress at seeing a cat	Foreshadows the reveal of Harry’s survival.

4. Motif

Movie Scene	Device Example
Shadows and light	Motif of shadows representing moral ambiguity.
Repeated references to “third man”	Motif of the unseen, unknown criminal presence.

5. Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
The sewer chase	The sewers metaphorically represent the underworld and corruption.
The zither music	Represents the film’s unique atmosphere and tension.

6. Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Device Example
Joyful zither music during tense scenes	Contrasts the cheerful sound with the grim visuals.
Innocence of children vs. adults’ corruption	Scenes of children playing in war-torn Vienna.

7. Allegory

Movie Scene	Device Example
Harry’s speech about the Borgias	Allegory for how chaos can lead to greatness, questioning morality.
Post-war Vienna	Allegory for the fractured European identity post-WWII.

8. Allusion

Movie Scene	Device Example
Harry Lime’s character	Alludes to Mephistopheles, representing temptation and evil.
References to wartime heroes	Alludes to the thin line between heroism and villainy.

9. Paradox

Movie Scene	Device Example
Harry being a charming villain	The paradox of Harry being likable yet morally reprehensible.
The innocence of Anna vs. her complicity	Anna’s love for Harry despite his crimes.

10. Hyperbole

Movie Scene	Device Example
Harry’s speech about the cuckoo clock	Exaggeration to illustrate his cynical worldview.
The dramatic sewer chase	Heightened drama to emphasize the climax’s intensity.

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Character Studies

Holly Martins

Device	Explanation
Irony	Holly, an author of pulp Westerns, becomes a detective in a real crime, reflecting his transition from fiction to harsh reality.
Foreshadowing	His naivety is hinted at early on, setting up his eventual disillusionment.

Harry Lime

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Harry represents the corrupted soul of post-war Europe, charming yet morally bankrupt.
Allegory	His character alludes to the Devil, tempting others into moral compromise.

Anna Schmidt

Device	Explanation
Paradox	Anna’s love for Harry despite knowing his crimes highlights the complexity of human emotions.
Metaphor	Her character embodies the post-war trauma and longing for normalcy.

Major Calloway

Device	Explanation
Juxtaposition	His stern, military demeanor contrasts with Holly’s carefree attitude, highlighting the clash of idealism and pragmatism.
Symbolism	Represents law and order amidst chaos, a beacon of moral clarity.

Character Dynamics

Holly and Harry’s friendship drives the narrative, contrasting Holly’s moral journey with Harry’s moral decay. Anna’s relationship with Harry and Holly adds emotional depth, illustrating the theme of loyalty versus justice. Major Calloway’s interactions with Holly provide a realistic counterpoint to Holly’s idealism, grounding the story in the harsh realities of post-war Europe.

Thematic Analysis

Corruption

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	The ruined cityscape of Vienna symbolizes the pervasive corruption.
Irony	Harry’s charm and affability mask his corrupt actions.

Loyalty and Betrayal

Device	Explanation
Paradox	Anna’s loyalty to Harry despite his betrayal highlights the complexity of human relationships.
Motif	Repeated instances of betrayal among characters emphasize this theme.

Moral Ambiguity

Device	Explanation
Juxtaposition	Contrasting light and shadow visuals symbolize moral ambiguity.
Allegory	Harry’s character serves as an allegory for the blurred lines between good and evil.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Symbolism	Cinematography: Dutch angles	The tilted camera angles reflect the disorientation and instability of post-war Vienna.
Irony	Sound: Contrasting zither music	The cheerful zither music contrasts with the dark themes and scenes, enhancing the ironic undertones.
Foreshadowing	Visual: Shadows and lighting	Deep shadows and strategic lighting hint at hidden truths and foreshadow events.
Juxtaposition	Editing: Cross-cutting scenes	Alternating between joyful and tense scenes underscores the contrast in the narrative.
Allegory	Mise-en-scène: War-torn settings	The settings themselves serve as an allegory for the fractured moral landscape.
Motif	Repetition: “Third Man” references	The continual references to the “third man” motif reinforce the theme of the unseen and unknown.
Metaphor	Visual: Sewer chase	The labyrinthine sewers metaphorically represent the complex moral underworld.
Paradox	Character interaction: Holly and Harry	Their interactions reveal the paradox of their relationship—friendship juxtaposed with betrayal.
Allusion	Dialogue: Historical references	References to wartime events and figures create a rich allusive texture, enhancing the narrative depth.
Hyperbole	Action: Dramatic sequences	Exaggerated action sequences, like the sewer chase, heighten the drama and tension.

Key Scene Analysis

1. The Ferris Wheel Scene

YouTube Link: Ferris Wheel Scene
Breakdown: This iconic scene between Holly and Harry atop the Ferris wheel showcases their ideological clash. The height symbolizes their elevated moral debate, while Harry’s chilling indifference to human life (comparing people to dots from above) highlights his moral decay. The use of high-angle shots emphasizes Harry’s detached worldview, and the circular motion of the wheel represents the cyclical nature of their moral struggle.

2. The Sewer Chase Scene

YouTube Link: Sewer Chase Scene
Breakdown: The climactic chase through Vienna’s sewers is a masterclass in blending literary and cinematic techniques. The labyrinthine sewers serve as a metaphor for the moral complexity and the darkness of human nature. The intense, dramatic lighting and quick cuts build suspense, while the echoing sounds of footsteps and water create an immersive, tense atmosphere. The scene’s resolution in the sewers underscores the theme of moral descent.

3. The Opening Scene

YouTube Link: Opening Scene
Breakdown: The opening scene sets the tone for the entire film. The narration provides exposition and establishes the setting, while the visuals of war-torn Vienna immediately symbolize the film’s themes of destruction and decay. The use of zither music here introduces the ironic contrast that will persist throughout the film. This scene foreshadows the complex narrative and moral ambiguities to come.

Conclusion

To wrap up our in-depth analysis, let’s engage in a fun and interactive multiple-choice quiz to test your understanding of the literary devices used in “The Third Man.”

Interactive Quiz: Test Your Knowledge!

1. What does the Ferris wheel symbolize in the film?

A) Friendship
B) The cyclical nature of crime and justice
C) Childhood innocence
D) Economic disparity

2. How does the use of shadows and lighting contribute to the film’s themes?

A) It creates a romantic atmosphere
B) It symbolizes moral ambiguity
C) It highlights the beauty of Vienna
D) It emphasizes the film’s historical context

3. Which character is an allegory for the Devil?

A) Holly Martins
B) Anna Schmidt
C) Major Calloway
D) Harry Lime

4. What literary device is used when the cheerful zither music plays during tense scenes?

5. What do the ruined buildings in Vienna symbolize?

A) The city’s architectural history
B) The moral decay and ruin post-war
C) The resilience of the population
D) The economic struggles of the time

Answers:

Thanks for diving deep into “The Third Man” with us! 🎥🍿