Zootopia (2016)

Brief Intro

“Zootopia,” released in 2016 and directed by Byron Howard and Rich Moore, is an animated film that takes viewers on a thrilling journey through a bustling metropolis inhabited by anthropomorphic animals. At its heart, it’s a tale of an unlikely friendship between Judy Hopps, a determined bunny cop, and Nick Wilde, a sly fox, as they uncover a conspiracy that threatens the harmony of their diverse city. 🌆🦊🐰

Literary Devices Used in Zootopia

Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
Judy’s struggle to become a police officer	Represents the real-world struggles against stereotypes and prejudices.
The city of Zootopia itself	A microcosm of a diverse society grappling with issues of inclusion and bias.

Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Judy becoming a meter maid	Despite her high aspirations, she’s given a low-status job.
Nick Wilde, a con artist, helping solve a crime	A criminal aiding law enforcement.

Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
The Night Howlers	Represent the irrational fears and prejudices that can drive a society apart.
Zootopia’s different districts	Symbolize various socio-economic and cultural divisions in real-world cities.

Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
Judy’s parents warning her about foxes	Hints at the deep-seated prejudices she will encounter in Zootopia.
Nick’s early interactions with Judy	Suggest his eventual role as her ally.

Satire

Movie Scene	Device Example
DMV scene with sloths	Critique of bureaucratic inefficiency.
Zootopia’s police force	Reflects and critiques various aspects of real-world law enforcement.

Allegory

Movie Scene	Device Example
Predator vs. prey dynamics	Represents various forms of social discrimination and racism.
Judy and Nick’s partnership	An allegory for overcoming prejudice and working together.

Allusion

Movie Scene	Device Example
References to popular culture	Allusions to “The Godfather,” “Breaking Bad,” and other media.
Nick’s con artist behavior	Alludes to classic trickster archetypes in literature and film.

Hyperbole

Movie Scene	Device Example
Judy’s overzealous ticketing	Exaggerates her commitment to law enforcement.
The chaotic chase through Little Rodentia	Amplifies the drama and humor of the situation.

Motif

Movie Scene	Device Example
Judy’s carrot pen	Recurring symbol of her determination and resourcefulness.
Predators being feared	Repeatedly highlights the theme of irrational prejudice.

Paradox

Movie Scene	Device Example
A small bunny being a police officer	Contradicts the typical image of a police officer as strong and imposing.
A sly fox being trustworthy	Challenges the stereotype of foxes being deceitful.

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Judy Hopps

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Judy’s character symbolizes hope, determination, and the fight against prejudice.
Foreshadowing	Her struggles and triumphs are hinted at throughout her early interactions and aspirations.
Irony	Despite being a small bunny, she becomes a police officer, defying expectations.

Nick Wilde

Device	Explanation
Allegory	Represents marginalized individuals who are judged by their appearance.
Satire	His witty and sarcastic remarks critique societal norms and stereotypes.
Symbolism	Nick’s transformation symbolizes the potential for change and redemption.

Character Dynamics

Judy and Nick’s evolving relationship drives the narrative and themes. Initially, they embody the very stereotypes they aim to dismantle: Judy, the overzealous rookie, and Nick, the cunning con artist. Through their partnership, they reveal the complexity of identity and the importance of understanding and collaboration. Their dynamic underscores the film’s message that true progress requires breaking down preconceived notions and working together.

Thematic Analysis

Social Prejudice

Device	Explanation
Metaphor	Predator vs. prey dynamics represent various forms of discrimination.
Allegory	The entire film serves as an allegory for overcoming societal biases.

Perseverance and Ambition

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Judy’s carrot pen symbolizes her determination and ingenuity.
Hyperbole	Judy’s relentless ticketing exemplifies her commitment to her goals.

Friendship and Trust

Device	Explanation
Irony	Judy and Nick’s partnership defies their initial mistrust and stereotypes.
Foreshadowing	Early hints of Nick’s true character build the foundation for their trust.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Visual and Sound Techniques

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Symbolism	Color use and design	The different districts of Zootopia use color and design to symbolize various social classes and cultures.
Metaphor	Visual juxtaposition	The size difference between Judy and other characters visually emphasizes her underdog status.
Satire	Character design and animation	The DMV sloths are animated to move extremely slowly, enhancing the satirical critique of bureaucracy.

Key Scene Analysis

Scene Selection

1. The DMV Scene
   • YouTube Link: Zootopia – DMV Scene
   • Breakdown: This scene is a brilliant example of satire and irony, using the slow-moving sloths to highlight bureaucratic inefficiency. The humor and absurdity of the situation are amplified by the characters’ reactions and the painstakingly slow pace of the scene.
2. Judy’s Graduation Ceremony
   • YouTube Link: Zootopia – Graduation Scene
   • Breakdown: This scene uses symbolism and foreshadowing. Judy’s speech about making the world a better place is both a symbol of her idealism and a foreshadowing of the challenges she will face. The visual of her small stature amidst the larger officers underscores her underdog status.

Conclusion

To test your understanding of the literary devices used in “Zootopia,” take this interactive quiz! 🎉

Quiz:

1. What does the Night Howlers symbolize in the film?
   • a) Hope
   • b) Fear and prejudice
   • c) Friendship
   • d) Ambition
2. Which literary device is used when Judy is assigned as a meter maid?
   • a) Metaphor
   • b) Irony
   • c) Allegory
   • d) Hyperbole
3. The partnership between Judy and Nick mainly represents:
   • a) Competition
   • b) Distrust
   • c) Overcoming prejudice
   • d) Misunderstanding

(Answers: 1-b, 2-b, 3-c)