How to Train Your Dragon (2010)

Brief Intro

How to Train Your Dragon (2010), directed by Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders, is an animated film that follows Hiccup, a young Viking who befriends a dragon, Toothless, challenging his village’s tradition of dragon hunting. The movie blends adventure, humor, and heart, creating a rich narrative through the use of various literary and cinematic techniques.

Literary Devices Used in How to Train Your Dragon

1. Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
Hiccup creating the tail fin for Toothless	The tail fin symbolizes trust and friendship.
Hiccup’s blacksmith work	Represents Hiccup’s creative problem-solving abilities and his outsider status.

2. Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
Hiccup seeing the dragon in the opening battle	Foreshadows his future connection with Toothless.
Astrid’s initial skepticism	Hints at her eventual acceptance and alliance with Hiccup.

3. Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Hiccup being small and weak	It’s ironic that the weakest Viking becomes the hero.
Hiccup’s father, Stoick, being the chief dragon hunter	Ironic twist as Hiccup, his son, becomes a dragon’s best friend.

4. Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
Hiccup’s training sessions	Dragon training as a metaphor for overcoming personal fears.
Toothless’s damaged tail	Represents the need for mutual dependence and trust.

5. Personification

Movie Scene	Device Example
Toothless’s playful behavior	Dragons display human-like emotions and intelligence.
Hiccup talking to Toothless	Treats Toothless as a companion, highlighting emotional depth.

6. Allusion

Movie Scene	Device Example
References to Viking culture	Alludes to historical Viking lore and traditions.
Dragon species names	Allusions to mythological creatures and Norse mythology.

7. Hyperbole

Movie Scene	Device Example
Hiccup’s claims about Toothless	Exaggerates Toothless’s abilities to make a point.
Astrid’s reaction to flying	Her amazement is portrayed with exaggerated enthusiasm.

8. Imagery

Movie Scene	Device Example
Flight scenes	Vivid descriptions of flying over landscapes.
The Dragon’s nest	Detailed visuals of the dragon’s lair and environment.

9. Simile

Movie Scene	Device Example
Hiccup’s description of Toothless	“Like nothing you’ve ever seen”
Comparisons in battle	“Fast as lightning” to describe dragon movements.

10. Allegory

Movie Scene	Device Example
Hiccup and Toothless’s relationship	An allegory for understanding and acceptance of differences.
Vikings and dragons’ eventual alliance	Represents peace and coexistence.

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Hiccup

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Hiccup’s inventions symbolize his unique perspective and innovative thinking.
Irony	Hiccup, the least likely to succeed in his tribe, becomes the hero, highlighting the irony of preconceived notions about strength and capability.
Characterization	Hiccup’s dialogue and internal monologue reveal his insecurities and growth throughout the film.

Toothless

Device	Explanation
Personification	Toothless exhibits human-like intelligence and emotions, deepening his bond with Hiccup and making him a relatable character.
Metaphor	Toothless’s need for a new tail fin symbolizes the idea of support and interdependence in relationships.
Imagery	The detailed depiction of Toothless’s movements and expressions helps convey his personality and emotions visually.

Astrid

Device	Explanation
Foreshadowing	Astrid’s initial hostility towards dragons foreshadows her eventual acceptance and alliance with Hiccup.
Characterization	Her bravery and competitive nature are revealed through her actions and interactions with other characters.
Symbolism	Astrid’s weapon and combat skills symbolize her strength and traditional Viking values.

Stoick

Device	Explanation
Irony	Stoick’s role as a dragon hunter is ironic given Hiccup’s bond with Toothless, highlighting generational and ideological conflicts.
Metaphor	Stoick’s stubbornness and strength symbolize the old ways of thinking and resistance to change.
Characterization	His dialogue and interactions with Hiccup reveal his internal struggle between duty and love for his son.

Character Dynamics

• Hiccup and Toothless: Their relationship evolves from fear and mistrust to deep friendship, symbolizing the theme of understanding and acceptance. The use of personification and metaphor enriches their bond.
• Hiccup and Astrid: Their dynamic starts with skepticism and competition, eventually transforming into mutual respect and partnership, driven by character development and foreshadowing.
• Hiccup and Stoick: The father-son conflict embodies generational differences, using irony and metaphor to highlight their contrasting views and eventual reconciliation.

Thematic Analysis

Courage and Growth

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Hiccup’s journey with Toothless symbolizes personal growth and courage.
Foreshadowing	Early scenes hint at Hiccup’s potential for bravery and leadership.
Metaphor	The dragon training symbolizes overcoming fears and societal expectations.

Acceptance and Understanding

Device	Explanation
Allegory	The relationship between Vikings and dragons as an allegory for overcoming prejudice.
Irony	The irony of Hiccup befriending a dragon underscores themes of acceptance.
Imagery	Vivid imagery of dragons interacting peacefully with humans reinforces the theme of harmony.

Innovation and Change

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Hiccup’s inventions and strategies symbolize new ways of thinking.
Characterization	Hiccup’s traits contrast with traditional Viking values, emphasizing the theme of innovation.
Foreshadowing	Early scenes of Hiccup’s tinkering foreshadow his role as an agent of change.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Imagery	Animation and Visual Effects	The detailed animation brings the dragons to life, enhancing the descriptive imagery in the narrative.
Symbolism	Color Palette	The use of colors (e.g., dark tones for Toothless, vibrant hues for the dragon sanctuary) reinforces symbolic meanings.
Metaphor	Sound Design	The unique sounds assigned to different dragons create a metaphorical language that reflects their personalities and roles in the story.
Personification	Animation and Voice Acting	The expressive animations and voice acting imbue dragons with human-like qualities, deepening their personification.
Foreshadowing	Visual Cues	Subtle visual hints in the background and character movements foreshadow future events, enhancing narrative coherence.
Irony	Dialogue and Timing	The script’s witty dialogue and timing of certain scenes underscore the irony in the characters’ situations and outcomes.

Key Scene Analysis

1. First Flight Scene
   • Watch on YouTube
   • Scene Breakdown: Hiccup and Toothless’s first flight showcases the deepening bond between them. The exhilarating visuals and soaring music create a metaphor for freedom and trust, while the detailed animation highlights the personification of Toothless.
2. Hiccup and Astrid’s Flight
   • Watch on YouTube
   • Scene Breakdown: This scene marks a turning point in Astrid’s character arc. The breathtaking imagery and emotional score underscore the themes of understanding and acceptance. The symbolism of flight as liberation is powerfully conveyed.
3. Battle with the Red Death
   • Watch on YouTube
   • Scene Breakdown: The climactic battle utilizes dramatic visuals and intense sound design to heighten tension. The use of foreshadowing and irony (Hiccup using his knowledge of dragons to save the day) culminates in a satisfying narrative payoff.

Conclusion

Interactive Quiz:

1. Which device symbolizes trust and friendship in Hiccup and Toothless’s relationship?
   • A) Foreshadowing
   • B) Symbolism
   • C) Irony
   • D) Metaphor
2. What theme is highlighted through Hiccup’s inventive solutions and strategies?
   • A) Bravery
   • B) Tradition
   • C) Innovation
   • D) Loyalty
3. The flight scenes between Hiccup and Toothless are a metaphor for:
   • A) Danger
   • B) Freedom
   • C) Conflict
   • D) Mystery
4. Which literary device is enhanced by the film’s animation and voice acting, giving dragons human-like qualities?
   • A) Symbolism
   • B) Allegory
   • C) Personification
   • D) Hyperbole