“Paths of Glory,” directed by Stanley Kubrick in 1957, is a powerful anti-war film set during World War I. It follows Colonel Dax, played by Kirk Douglas, who defends three soldiers unjustly accused of cowardice. The film explores themes of injustice, the futility of war, and the corruption of power.
In “Paths of Glory,” numerous literary devices enrich the narrative and underscore the film’s themes. Here’s a look at ten key devices used:
1. Symbolism
Movie Scene Device Example The Ant Hill Assault The Ant Hill symbolizes the futile nature of war, as soldiers are forced to charge an impossible target, reflecting the pointless sacrifice. The Courtroom The courtroom represents the corrupt and biased nature of military justice, where the verdict is predetermined.
2. Irony
Movie Scene Device Example Execution of Soldiers The soldiers are executed for cowardice despite their bravery in battle, highlighting the irony of their punishment. The General’s Speech General Mireau speaks of honor and duty while sending men to their deaths for his personal glory, showcasing dramatic irony .
3. Metaphor
Movie Scene Device Example The Maze-Like Trenches The trenches serve as a metaphor for the entrapment and chaos of war. The Ant Hill The name itself is a metaphor for the dehumanizing view of soldiers as expendable workers.
4. Foreshadowing
Movie Scene Device Example Pre-Battle Discussions Conversations about the soldiers’ fates foreshadow their doomed assault on the Ant Hill. General’s Orders The General’s unrealistic orders foreshadow the impending disaster and moral conflict .
5. Allegory
Movie Scene Device Example The Court-Martial The trial is an allegory for the larger injustices within military and political systems.The Battlefield The battlefield serves as an allegory for the senselessness and destructiveness of war.
6. Pathos
Movie Scene Device Example Soldiers’ Last Moments The final moments of the condemned soldiers evoke deep sympathy and sadness from the audience. Colonel Dax’s Plea Dax’s impassioned defense of the soldiers appeals to the audience’s emotions.
7. Juxtaposition
Movie Scene Device Example Luxury of Generals’ Quarters vs. Trenches The stark contrast between the comfortable lives of the generals and the suffering of the soldiers highlights the disparity in their experiences. The Courtroom vs. Battlefield The cold, bureaucratic nature of the courtroom is juxtaposed with the chaos and horror of the battlefield.
8. Motif
Movie Scene Device Example Songs of War Repeated use of war songs underscores the theme of indoctrination and blind nationalism. Marching Soldiers The recurring image of soldiers marching to their deaths emphasizes the relentless and mechanical nature of war.
9. Irony
Movie Scene Device Example General’s Inspection General Mireau’s inspection of the troops is ironic as he demands courage and sacrifice while remaining safe. The Verdict The trial’s verdict is ironic, punishing the innocent to uphold a façade of military discipline.
10. Hyperbole
Movie Scene Device Example General’s Boasts General Mireau’s exaggerated claims about the ease of capturing the Ant Hill reflect his disconnect from reality. Battle Descriptions The descriptions of battle conditions are often exaggerated to emphasize the horror and chaos.
Character Studies
Colonel Dax
Device Explanation Pathos Dax’s impassioned defense and empathy for his men reveal his moral integrity and courage. Juxtaposition Dax’s integrity is contrasted with the corrupt and self-serving nature of the generals, highlighting his heroism.
General Mireau
Device Explanation Irony Mireau’s demand for bravery while displaying cowardice himself underscores his hypocrisy. Symbolism Mireau symbolizes the corrupt and morally bankrupt leadership in the military.
General Broulard
Device Explanation Allegory Broulard represents the detached and indifferent higher command in military structures. Metaphor His manipulation of Mireau and Dax serves as a metaphor for the power struggles within the army.
Character Dynamics
Colonel Dax and General Mireau
The conflict between Dax and Mireau drives the narrative , representing the clash between moral integrity and corrupt ambition.
Colonel Dax and the Soldiers
Dax’s compassionate relationship with his men highlights themes of loyalty, duty, and the human cost of war.
General Mireau and General Broulard
The dynamic between Mireau and Broulard reflects the hierarchical power structure and its impact on decision-making.
Injustice
Device Explanation Symbolism The courtroom symbolizes the miscarriage of justice. Pathos The execution of innocent soldiers evokes a strong emotional response to the injustice.
Futility of War
Device Explanation Metaphor The Ant Hill represents the pointless nature of the soldiers’ sacrifice. Irony The soldiers’ deaths are meaningless in the broader context of the war.
Corruption of Power
Device Explanation Allegory The military hierarchy allegorizes the corrupting influence of power. Juxtaposition The contrast between the generals’ luxury and the soldiers’ suffering highlights the abuse of power.
Visual and Sound Techniques
Literary Device Technique Explanation Symbolism Visual Contrast The stark visuals of the trenches vs. the generals’ quarters symbolize the disparity in experiences. Pathos Sound Design The haunting music during the execution scene amplifies the emotional impact.
Literary Device Technique Explanation Irony Cinematography The camera’s focus on the generals during the soldiers’ execution highlights the ironic disconnect. Juxtaposition Editing Juxtaposed scenes of battlefield chaos and courtroom calm emphasize the thematic contrasts.
Scene Selection
The Court-Martial Scene
Watch on YouTube This scene showcases the use of irony and symbolism , as the courtroom’s rigid order contrasts with the chaos of the battlefield, highlighting the injustice faced by the soldiers.
The Execution Scene
Watch on YouTube This poignant scene uses pathos and visual techniques to evoke deep emotional responses, illustrating the futility and tragedy of the soldiers’ sacrifice.
The Final Scene
Watch on YouTube The final scene employs juxtaposition and sound design to contrast the singing of a young German girl with the soldiers’ initial hostility, ultimately showcasing a moment of shared humanity amidst the horrors of war.
Interactive Quiz
Which literary device is exemplified by the use of the Ant Hill in the film?
What does General Mireau symbolize in “Paths of Glory”?
A) Heroism
B) Corruption of power
C) Futility of war
How does the film use irony in the courtroom scenes?
A) By showing the fairness of military justice
B) By highlighting the predetermined verdict and the mockery of justice
C) By demonstrating the soldiers’ bravery
What theme is emphasized through the juxtaposition of the generals’ quarters and the trenches?
A) Loyalty
B) Injustice
C) Disparity in experiences and corruption of power
Which cinematic technique is used to enhance the emotional impact of the execution scene?
A) Fast-paced editing
B) Haunting music and sound design
C) Bright, vibrant colors
