Trouble in Paradise (1932)

Brief Intro

“Trouble in Paradise” is a 1932 romantic comedy directed by Ernst Lubitsch. The film showcases the sophisticated and witty “Lubitsch touch” and revolves around two charming con artists who fall in love while attempting a heist on a wealthy Parisian widow. The movie is celebrated for its clever dialogue, intricate plot, and elegant visual style.

Literary Devices Used in Trouble in Paradise

Here are ten literary devices employed in “Trouble in Paradise,” each illustrated with specific examples from the film:

Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Gaston and Lily pretending to be aristocrats while actually being thieves.	Situational Irony
Madame Colet hiring Gaston, unaware that he plans to rob her.	Dramatic Irony

Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
The stolen purse as a symbol of Gaston and Lily’s relationship.	Symbolism
The pearl necklace representing wealth and deceit.	Symbolism

Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
The initial scenes where Gaston and Lily reveal their thieving skills.	Foreshadowing future heist
Gaston’s comment about being a great secretary.	Foreshadowing his role with Madame Colet

Satire

Movie Scene	Device Example
The portrayal of high society’s obsession with appearances.	Social Satire
Mocking the frivolous spending of the wealthy.	Satire of extravagance

Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
Comparing love to a game of chess.	Metaphor
Describing relationships as a “thief’s paradise.”	Metaphor

Allusion

Movie Scene	Device Example
References to Shakespearean comedies in the witty dialogue.	Literary Allusion
Allusions to contemporary social norms and practices.	Cultural Allusion

Hyperbole

Movie Scene	Device Example
Gaston’s exaggerated declarations of love.	Hyperbole
Lily’s dramatic reactions to Gaston’s charm.	Hyperbole

Euphemism

Movie Scene	Device Example
“Light-fingered” to describe stealing.	Euphemism
“Acquiring” instead of stealing.	Euphemism

Personification

Movie Scene	Device Example
The city of Paris as a living, breathing character.	Personification
Madame Colet’s wealth being described as “seductive.”	Personification

Oxymoron

Movie Scene	Device Example
“Honest thief” used to describe Gaston.	Oxymoron
“Sweet sorrow” of leaving the con life.	Oxymoron

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Character Studies

Gaston Monescu

Device	Explanation
Irony	Gaston’s role as a charming con artist who wins over his targets with honesty.
Metaphor	Described as a “master of disguise,” reflecting his ability to blend into any role.

Lily

Device	Explanation
Hyperbole	Her exaggerated reactions to Gaston’s charms highlight her passionate nature.
Euphemism	Describing her thefts as “acquisitions” softens her criminal actions.

Madame Colet

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Represents the wealthy elite, oblivious to the machinations around her.
Irony	Trusts Gaston implicitly, unaware of his true intentions.

Character Dynamics

Gaston and Lily’s Relationship

Device	Explanation
Irony	Their relationship thrives on deception, yet they are deeply in love.
Satire	Their interactions satirize romantic conventions and societal norms.

Gaston and Madame Colet

Device	Explanation
Foreshadowing	Early interactions hint at Gaston’s ulterior motives.
Metaphor	Their relationship is a metaphor for the deceptive allure of wealth.

Thematic Analysis

Deception and Truth

Device	Explanation
Irony	Characters often deceive others while revealing truths about themselves.
Symbolism	Objects like the stolen purse symbolize hidden truths.

Love and Morality

Device	Explanation
Metaphor	Love is portrayed as a game with its own rules and morals.
Hyperbole	Romantic declarations highlight the intensity and complexity of love.

Class and Society

Device	Explanation
Satire	High society is depicted as frivolous and hypocritical.
Allusion	References to social norms emphasize class disparities.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Irony	Visual Juxtaposition	Scenes contrast luxurious settings with deceitful actions.
Symbolism	Lighting	Soft lighting on Madame Colet enhances her obliviousness.
Foreshadowing	Camera Angles	Angles highlighting characters’ expressions hint at future actions.
Satire	Costume Design	Exaggerated costumes mock societal fashion trends.
Metaphor	Soundtrack	Music underscores the thematic metaphors of love and deceit.

Key Scene Analysis

Scene Selection and Breakdown

1. Gaston and Lily’s Reunion
   YouTube Link: Gaston and Lily’s Reunion
   This scene uses irony and metaphor to highlight their romantic and deceptive nature.
2. Madame Colet’s Dinner Party
   YouTube Link: Madame Colet’s Dinner Party
   Satire and symbolism are used to critique high society and wealth.
3. The Heist Plan
   YouTube Link: The Heist Plan
   Foreshadowing and dramatic irony build tension and anticipation.

Conclusion

To wrap up, let’s engage with an interactive quiz to test your understanding of the literary devices in “Trouble in Paradise”:

1. What literary device is prominently used when Gaston declares his love in exaggerated terms?
   • A) Irony
   • B) Hyperbole
   • C) Metaphor
2. Which device is employed when the stolen purse symbolizes the relationship between Gaston and Lily?
   • A) Symbolism
   • B) Satire
   • C) Personification
3. How does the film satirize high society?
   • A) Through exaggerated costumes
   • B) Through subtle lighting
   • C) Through foreshadowing