Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)

Brief Intro

“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” is a darkly comedic drama directed by Martin McDonagh. The story revolves around Mildred Hayes, a grieving mother who, frustrated with the lack of progress in the investigation of her daughter’s murder, rents three billboards to call attention to the unsolved crime. This provocative act sends shockwaves through the small town, sparking a series of events that explore themes of justice, anger, and redemption.

Literary Devices Used in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Let’s dive into the literary devices that make this film a masterpiece. Here’s a detailed look at ten devices, each with specific examples from the movie:

Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
The three billboards	The billboards symbolize Mildred’s persistent call for justice.
Dixon’s character arc	Dixon’s journey from bigotry to redemption serves as a metaphor for personal growth.

Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Chief Willoughby’s terminal illness	The chief, who is supposed to bring justice, is helpless in his own situation.
Mildred’s act of setting the police station on fire	She seeks justice but commits an arson crime herself.

Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
The burned billboards	Symbolize the town’s resistance to facing its issues.
Red paint on the billboards	Represents anger and the blood of Mildred’s daughter.

Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
Mildred’s initial confrontations with the police	Hints at the escalating conflict.
Chief Willoughby’s interactions with Mildred	His compassionate approach foreshadows his letter after his death.

Flashbacks

Movie Scene	Device Example
Mildred’s memories of her daughter	Provides background and emotional depth.
Chief Willoughby’s final days	Reveals his motivations and character depth.

Dark Humor

Movie Scene	Device Example
Mildred’s interactions with the priest	Uses humor to address serious social issues.
Dixon’s clumsy brutality	Highlights the absurdity of his character’s actions.

Pathos

Movie Scene	Device Example
Mildred’s plea for justice	Evokes empathy for her grief and determination.
Chief Willoughby’s farewell letters	Stirs emotions through his sincere words.

Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Device Example
Mildred’s calm demeanor vs. town’s outrage	Highlights her unwavering resolve.
Dixon’s initial brutality vs. later kindness	Emphasizes his character development.

Allegory

Movie Scene	Device Example
The town of Ebbing	Represents broader societal issues like justice and redemption.
Billboards vs. police station	The conflict between individual justice and institutional inaction.

Dialogue

Movie Scene	Device Example
Mildred’s confrontations with Chief Willoughby	Sharp and revealing exchanges that drive the plot.
Dixon’s conversations with his mother	Exposes Dixon’s upbringing and influences.

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Character Studies

Mildred Hayes

Device	Explanation
Pathos	Her grief and determination to seek justice evoke strong emotions in the audience.
Irony	Her quest for justice leads her to commit morally questionable acts.

Chief Willoughby

Device	Explanation
Foreshadowing	His terminal illness sets the stage for his later actions and impact on the story.
Symbolism	Represents the failings and humanity of the law enforcement system.

Jason Dixon

Device	Explanation
Juxtaposition	His transformation from a violent officer to a more empathetic character highlights his development.
Allegory	Embodies the potential for personal growth and redemption.

Character Dynamics

Mildred and Chief Willoughby

Their dynamic is a mix of respect and confrontation, driven by Mildred’s unwavering demand for justice and Willoughby’s understanding yet powerless position. Literary devices like dialogue and foreshadowing reveal their complex relationship.

Mildred and Jason Dixon

Initially adversarial, their relationship evolves through juxtaposition and symbolism, showing the potential for change and understanding even in the face of deep-seated anger and prejudice.

Thematic Analysis

Justice and Injustice

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	The billboards represent the quest for justice in a system perceived as unjust.
Irony	Mildred’s methods to seek justice often conflict with the law, highlighting the complexity of true justice.

Redemption and Forgiveness

Device	Explanation
Juxtaposition	Dixon’s character arc shows his journey from bigotry to a quest for redemption.
Pathos	Chief Willoughby’s letters seek forgiveness and understanding from beyond the grave.

Grief and Anger

Device	Explanation
Metaphor	The billboards are a metaphor for Mildred’s unending grief and anger.
Flashbacks	Mildred’s memories of her daughter add depth to her grief and motivations.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Visual and Sound Techniques

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Symbolism	Cinematography	The framing of the billboards against the landscape emphasizes their symbolic importance.
Irony	Music and Sound Design	The use of darkly humorous music during tense scenes enhances the ironic tone.
Pathos	Lighting	Soft, warm lighting in flashback scenes contrasts with the harsh lighting of the present, evoking nostalgia and sadness.

Key Scene Analysis

Scene: Mildred’s Confrontation with Chief Willoughby

YouTube Link: Mildred Confronts Willoughby

Breakdown: This scene uses sharp dialogue to highlight the tension between Mildred and Chief Willoughby. The visual framing places Mildred in a position of power, emphasizing her determination. The ironic undertone is enhanced by the calm yet intense music.

Scene: Dixon’s Redemption Arc

YouTube Link: Dixon’s Turning Point

Breakdown: Dixon’s journey is highlighted through a powerful montage, juxtaposing his violent past with his growing empathy. The use of lighting and music underscores his transformation, making this scene pivotal to the narrative.

Conclusion

Interactive Quiz

Engage with the movie’s literary devices! Test your knowledge below.

1. Which literary device is prominently featured in the use of the three billboards?
   • A) Metaphor
   • B) Hyperbole
   • C) Alliteration
2. Dixon’s character arc is an example of:
   • A) Allegory
   • B) Juxtaposition
   • C) Simile
3. The scene where Mildred sets fire to the police station is an example of:
   • A) Irony
   • B) Symbolism
   • C) Metaphor
4. Chief Willoughby’s letters primarily evoke which literary device?
   • A) Pathos
   • B) Ethos
   • C) Logos