“On the Waterfront,” directed by Elia Kazan, is a 1954 film that delves into the gritty world of longshoremen in New York. The story centers on Terry Malloy, an ex-boxer struggling with his conscience amidst corruption and violence on the docks. The film’s powerful narrative , bolstered by Marlon Brando’s iconic performance, explores themes of redemption, power, and morality.
1. Symbolism
Movie Scene Device Example Pigeons in Terry’s loft Symbolize innocence and purity, contrasting the corruption on the docks. The waterfront itself Represents the moral battleground where characters face ethical dilemmas.
2. Foreshadowing
Movie Scene Device Example Joey Doyle’s murder Hints at the violent control of the union over the dockworkers. Father Barry’s sermon Predicts the moral awakening and subsequent actions of Terry Malloy.
3. Metaphor
Movie Scene Device Example “D&D – Deaf and Dumb” Metaphor for the dockworkers’ enforced silence .Terry’s boxing past Symbolizes his internal struggle and fight for redemption.
4. Irony
Movie Scene Device Example Terry’s role in Joey’s murder Despite being complicit, he becomes the one to challenge the corruption. Johnny Friendly’s name Ironically contrasts his violent and ruthless nature.
5. Allusion
Movie Scene Device Example Father Barry’s speech Alludes to Christ’s suffering, emphasizing moral righteousness. Terry’s line “I coulda been a contender” References the lost potential and wasted life.
6. Juxtaposition
Movie Scene Device Example Terry’s tender moments with Edie Contrast with his violent interactions with the mob.The peaceful church vs. the violent docks Highlights the moral and ethical divide.
7. Flashback
Movie Scene Device Example Terry recalling his boxing career Provides insight into his lost dreams and current disillusionment. Edie remembering Joey Reinforces the personal loss and stakes of the conflict .
8. Motif
Movie Scene Device Example Pigeons Recurrent motif representing purity and sacrifice. Whistle Signals impending danger and actions on the waterfront.
9. Allegory
Movie Scene Device Example The docks as a microcosm Represents broader social and political corruption. Terry’s stand against Johnny Friendly Allegory for the fight against oppression and injustice.
10. Dialogue
Movie Scene Device Example Terry and Charlie’s cab scene Reveals deep emotional and ethical conflicts. Father Barry’s speeches Use persuasive dialogue to inspire moral action .
Terry Malloy
Device Explanation Symbolism Terry’s pigeons symbolize his lost innocence and desire for purity amidst corruption. Metaphor His boxing past serves as a metaphor for his internal struggle and quest for redemption.
Edie Doyle
Device Explanation Juxtaposition Edie’s innocence and moral clarity contrast sharply with the harsh reality of the docks. Irony Her relationship with Terry, the man involved in her brother’s death, highlights the complexity of forgiveness.
Johnny Friendly
Device Explanation Irony His name contrasts with his brutal, unfriendly nature. Allegory Represents the corrupt power structures that oppress the working class.
Father Barry
Device Explanation Allusion His speeches allude to Christ’s suffering, emphasizing the fight for justice. Symbolism Acts as a symbol of moral righteousness and the power of faith.
Power and Corruption
Device Explanation Symbolism The docks symbolize a battleground of power struggles. Allegory The union’s control over the workers allegorizes broader social and political corruption.
Redemption
Device Explanation Metaphor Terry’s boxing past as a metaphor for his fight for redemption. Juxtaposition Terry’s past actions versus his current moral awakening highlight the theme of redemption.
Moral Courage
Device Explanation Dialogue Father Barry’s speeches inspire moral courage among the workers. Symbolism Terry’s pigeons symbolize his journey towards moral clarity and courage.
Literary Device Technique Explanation Symbolism Close-up shots Close-ups of the pigeons emphasize their symbolic importance. Foreshadowing Lighting and shadows Use of shadows to foreshadow impending danger and moral darkness. Metaphor Set design The boxing gym reflects Terry’s internal struggle and past. Irony Sound design Contrasts in sound, like the serene church bells versus the chaotic docks, highlight irony . Juxtaposition Cross-cutting Juxtaposes different scenes to highlight contrasting themes, like the church and docks.
Scene: Terry and Charlie in the Cab
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Breakdown : This scene utilizes powerful dialogue and tight framing to convey the emotional and ethical conflict between Terry and Charlie. The cab’s confined space heightens the tension, and the iconic line “I coulda been a contender” underscores Terry’s sense of lost potential and regret.
Scene: Father Barry’s Sermon on the Docks
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Breakdown : Father Barry’s sermon is a pivotal moment that uses persuasive dialogue and strong imagery to galvanize the dockworkers. The contrast between the peaceful church and the violent docks is highlighted through cross-cutting, emphasizing the moral and ethical divide.
Test your knowledge with our interactive quiz!
Which literary device is used when the pigeons symbolize innocence?
What is the primary metaphor for Terry’s internal struggle?
A) His relationship with Edie
B) His boxing past
C) The waterfront
How does the film use irony in Johnny Friendly’s character?
A) Through his name
B) Through his actions
C) Through his dialogue
What does the whistle symbolize in the movie?
A) Freedom
B) Danger
C) Justice
Which scene highlights the theme of moral courage?
A) Terry and Charlie in the cab
B) Father Barry’s sermon
C) Joey Doyle’s murder
