Why Do You Think Art Includes This Childhood Memory of His Father Before the Start of the Novel

Contents

1. Summary
2. Historical Context
3. Themes
4. Cinematography
5. Cardinal Symbols
6. Sample Essay Topics
7. Essay Topic Breakdown
8. Resource

Rear Window is usually studied in the Australian curriculum under Area of Report 1 - Text Response. For a detailed guide on Text Response, check out our Ultimate Guide to VCE Text Response .

1. Summary

When near people think of Hitchcock, it's the screeching violins fromPsycho that first come up to listen. Whilst he is indeed known for his hair-curling thrillers,Rear Window is a slightly subtler flick which focuses not on a murderer at large, merely rather a crippled photographer who never even leaves his apartment.

Our protagonist L.B. 'Jeff' Jefferies is portrayed by James Stewart, who was known at the time for portraying cowboys in various Western films as well as starring in an before Hitchcock filmRope. Later on breaking his leg after a racing blow, Jeff begins to spy on his neighbours, i of whom he suspects of having committed a murder.

Despite some initial misgivings, his insurance nurse Stella (Thelma Ritter) and lover Lisa (Grace Kelly) likewise come up to share his suspicions and participate in his spying. Their contributions ultimately allow the mystery to be solved.

Intertwined with this mystery is also the rather complex story of Jeff and Lisa's relationship. Jeff on one paw resembles the 'macho' men of action whom Stewart is very accepted to playing. On the other hand, Kelly portrays a character much similar herself, a refined and elegant urbanite whose lifestyle inherently clashes with that of an activity photographer.

Hitchcock ultimately resolves both of these storylines in the film'south denouement.

ii. Historial Context

Before getting into the nitty-gritty of the moving-picture show, it is crucial to sympathise a bit near its historical context. Equally with any other text, the social conditions at the time ofRear Window's release in 1954 inform and shape the interactions and events of the film.

Released in thepost-war period, the flick is undoubtedly characterised past the interpersonal suspicion which defined the era. In particular, at that place was a real fear in America of Communist influences and Soviet espionage - so much so that a tribunal was established, supposedly to weed out Communists despite a general lack of evidence. This practice of making accusations without such evidence is at present known as the McCarthyism, named after the senator behind the tribunal.

The pic undoubtedly carries undertones of this, peculiarly in Jeff's disregard for his neighbours' privacy and his unparalleled power to spring to conclusions about them. During this era, people really did fear one another, since the threat of Communism felt so widespread. Jeff's exaggerated interpretations of his neighbours' actions lead him to an irrational sense of suspicion, which is in many mode the basis of the entire moving picture.

At the aforementioned time, the 1950s saw aboom in photojournalism every bit a legitimate profession. To some extent, this was fuelled past the heyday ofLife mag (an American weekly, every bit well-known then every bitTime magazine is today). This publication was almost entirely photojournalistic, and one of their state of war photojournalists, Robert Capa, is actually the ground of Jeff'southward character. This explains the prevalence of cameras in his life, as well as his ability to emotionally distance himself from those whom he observes through the lens.

Another crucial historical chemical element isthe institution of marriage, and how important it was to people during the 1950s. It was an aspiration which everyone was expected to have, and this is reflected statistically - only 9.three% of homes then had unmarried occupants (as opposed to around 25% today). People also tended to ally at a younger age, generally in their early 20s.

Conversely, divorce was highly frowned upon, and once yous were married, you would in general remain married for the rest of your life. In particular, divorced women suffered massive fiscal difficulties, since men, every bit breadwinners, held higher-paying jobs, and women were just employed in traditionally female person roles (e.g. secretaries, nurses, teachers, librarians). Seen in this low-cal, nosotros can understand Lisa's overwhelming desire to marry and settle down with Jeff. The importance of marriage is likewise evident in the lives of Jeff's neighbours; Miss Trunk's 'juggling [of the] wolves', and Miss Lonelyheart'due south depression both reflect this idea.

iii. Themes

Combining a bones understanding of the film'south plot, too as our knowledge of its history, we can begin to analyse some of the themes that sally.

Possibly the primal tenet of the film is the large question ofprivacy. Fifty-fifty in today'due south guild, the sanctity of privacy is an of import concept; every individual has a right to make their own choices without having to disembalm, explain or justify all of them. The character of Doyle says near these exact words:

'That'south a secret and private world you're looking into out there. People do a lot of things in private that they couldn't possibly explicate in public'

The tension that Hitchcock draws upon is this other idea of public responsibility, or civic duty - that is, the need to uphold the peace and protect one's fellow citizens from harm. These ideas clash inRear Window, as fulfilling this borough responsibleness (which for Jeff ways privately investigating Thorwald) means that Thorwald's right to privacy gets totally thrown out the window. So to speak.

Evidently, this is a majormoral dilemma. If you doubtable that someone has committed murder, does this give you the right to condone their privacy and surveil them in this manner? While the picture show doesn't give a definite answer (and you won't be required to give a definite answer), Hitchcock undoubtedly explores the complexity of this question. Even Jeff has misgivings nigh what he's seeing:

 'Exercise you suppose it's ethical to watch a human being with binoculars, and a long-focus lens—until you tin can see the freckles on the dorsum of his cervix, and nearly read his postal service? Do you suppose information technology's ethical even if you prove he didn't commit a crime?'

In some ways, the audience is also positioned to reflect on this question, and in item, reverberate on the paranoia that characterised and defined the McCarthy era.

Somewhat divide to these questions is theromance betwixt Jeff and Lisa, since Hitchcock seems to keep the thriller storyline and the romance storyline split up for a large part of the picture. Their contrasting lifestyles and world views present a major obstacle in the fulfilment of their romance, and the murder mystery both distracts and unites them. Hitchcock further alludes to the question of whether matrimony will be able to settle those differences after all - a major instance is the following scene, in which Lisa non only reveals her discovery of Mrs Thorwald's band, but also expresses a desire for Jeff to 'put a ring on it' besides:

4. Cinematography

Information technology's incommunicable to study a Hitchcock motion-picture show without because how he impacted and manipulated its storytelling. The cinematographic techniques employed inRear Window are important ways of shaping our understanding of the film, and Hitchcock uses a wide array of visual cues to communicate certain messages.

Lighting is one such cue that he uses a lot - it is said that at certain points in filming, he had used every single light endemic by the studio in which this film was shot. In this moving picture, lighting is used to reveal things: when the lights are on in whatsoever given apartment, Jeff is able to peer inside and watch through the window (almost resembling a little Television set screen; Jeff is also able to channel surf through the various apartments - Hitchcock uses panning to prove this).

On the contrary, a lack of lighting is also used to hide things, and we see Thorwald utilize this at many stages in the film. Jeff also takes advantage of this, every bit he frequently sits in a position where he is very close to existence in the shadows himself; if he feels the need, he is able to retreat such that he is fully enshrouded. Easygoing lighting in these scenes also contributes to an overall sense of drama and tension.

Another handy visual cue is thecross-cutting, which is an example of theKuleshov effect. The Kuleshov effect is an editing technique whereby a sequence of two shots is used to convey information more than effectively than but a single shot. Specifically, the cross-cut shifts from a shot of a person to a second shot of something that this person is watching.

We meet this often, particularly when Jeff is responding to events in the courtyard; Hitchcock uses this cantankerous-cut to immediately show united states what has acquired Jeff'south response. This visual cue indicates to viewers that we are seeing what Jeff is seeing, and is 1 of the few ways that Hitchcock helps audiences presume Jeff'south point-of-view in key moments.

Similarly, Hitchcock besides usesphotographic vignetting to merge our perspectives with Jeff's - in certain shots, we come across a fade in clarity and colour towards the sides of a frame, and this can look like a circular shadow, indicating to u.s. that we are seeing something through a telescope or a long-focus lens.

Interestingly, a vignette is also a short, descriptive scene that focuses on a sure character and/or idea to provide the states with insights most them - in this sense, it'southward likewise possible to say that Jeff watches vignettes of his neighbours. Since this discussion has two meanings, y'all must be careful about which meaning you're referring to.

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5. Key Symbols

Equally with any other text, information technology's of import to consider some of the fundamental symbols that Hitchcock draws upon in order to tell his story. That beingness said, one of the benefits of studying a moving-picture show is that these symbols tend to be quite visual - you are able to encounter these recurring images and this may make them easier to spot. We'll be going through some of these key images in the final part of this guide.

Ane of the first symbols we see isJeff'south cleaved leg, which is propped upwardly and completely covered past a cast, useless for the time being. Considering he has been rendered immobile by his leg, readers tin can infer from this symbol that he is also incapable of working or even leaving his flat, allow alone solving a murder mystery. The broken leg is in this sense a symbol of his powerlessness and the source of much of his discontent.

Another interpretation of the broken leg however, is that it represents his impotence which on one paw is synonymous for powerlessness or helplessness, but is on the other hand an allusion to his credible inability to feel sexual desire. Being constantly distracted from Lisa by other goings-on in the courtyard definitely supports this theory. All in all, Jeff'southward cleaved leg represents some compromise of his manhood, both in the sense that he cannot work in the way that a man would have been expected to, simply also in the sense that he is unable to feel any attraction towards Lisa, fifty-fifty equally she tries her best to seduce him.

Conversely, Jeff'slong-focus camera lens is a symbol of his passive male gaze, which is more or less the only thing he can do in his condition. It is the main means through which he observes other people, and thus, information technology also symbolises his voyeuristic tendencies - just as his broken leg traps and inhibits him, his camera lens transports him out of his own apartment and allows him to project his own fears and insecurities into the apartments of his neighbours, watching them for entertainment, for visual pleasure.

In this latter sense, the camera lens tin as well be understood every bit a phallic symbol, an erection of sorts. Information technology highlights Jeff'due south perverted nature, and the pleasance he derives from the deed of observing others. Yikes.

On the other hand,Lisa's dresses underscore the more than positive parts of her graphic symbol. Her initial wardrobe represents her elegance and refinery whilst also communicating a caste of incompatibility with Jeff. Nevertheless, as she changes and compromises throughout the film, her wardrobe also becomes much more practical and much less ostentatious as the picture show wears on, until she is finally wearing a smart blouse, jeans and a pair of loafers. The change in her wardrobe reflects changes in her character equally well.

Finally,the wedding ring of Mrs Thorwald is hugely significant; nuptials rings in general represent spousal relationship and commitment, and are still very important symbols that people still vesture today. Specifically, Mrs Thorwald'southward ring means a couple of things in the context of the picture show - information technology is firstly a crucial piece of evidence (because if Mrs Thorwald was withal live, she would probably however be wearing it) and information technology is also a symbol through which Lisa can express a desire for stability, delivery and for herself to exist married.

In that location'south definitely plenty to talk about with Hitchcock'sRear Window, and I hope these points of consideration help you tackle this film!

Exam your picture technique cognition with the video below:

Ready to outset writing on Rear Window? Lookout man the Rear Window Essay Topic Breakdown:

6. Sample Essay Topics

1. In Rear Window, Hitchcock suggests that everybody tin be guilty of voyeurism. Do yous agree?
2. Jeff'south attempts to pursue justice are entirely without honour. To what extent is this true?
3. In the lodge presented in Rear Window, Jeff has more ability and agency than Lisa in spite of his injury. Practice you agree?
4. Discuss how the opening sequence sets upwardly later themes and events in Rear Window.
5. 'Of form, they tin do the same matter to me, watch me similar a issues under glass if they want to.' Hitchcock'south Rear Window argues that information technology is human nature to be suspicious. To what extent do you hold?
6. Explore the function of Jeff's courtyard neighbours in the narrative of Rear Window.
7. Jeff and Lisa'south roles in Rear Window, every bit well as that which they witness, reflect the broader societal tensions betwixt the sexes of the time. Hash out.
8. 'I'one thousand non much on rear window ethics.' The sanctity of domestic privacy supersedes the importance of public responsibility. Is this the message of Rear Window?
9. Wedlock lies at the heart of Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window. Discuss.
10. Hitchcock'due south Rear Window explores and ultimately condemns the spectacle fabricated of human suffering. Is this an accurate reflection of the pic?
11. Rear Window argues that it is more than important to exist correct than to exist upstanding. Do y'all concord?
12. 'To see you is to love y'all.' What warnings and messages regarding attraction are offered by Hitchcock's Rear Window?
13. In Rear Window, women are merely objects of a sexist male gaze. To what extent do you agree?
14. In what ways do Hitchcock's cinematic techniques raise his storytelling in Rear Window?
15. 'When they're in trouble, information technology's always their Girl Fri that gets them out of information technology.' Is Lisa the truthful heroine of Rear Window?

Now it's your plow to give these essay topics a go! In our ebook A Killer Text Guide: Rear Window , we've take v of these essay topics and evidence you our analysis, brainstorm and plan for each individual topic. Nosotros then write up full A+ essays - all annotated - and so that you lot know exactly what you need to do to replicate a fifty study scorer's success!.

vii. Essay Topic Breakup

Whenever yous get a new essay topic, yous tin can use LSG'south THINK and EXECUTE strategy - a technique to help you write better VCE essays. This essay topic breakdown will focus on the THINK function of the strategy. If yous're unfamiliar with this strategy, and then bank check it out in How To Write A Killer Text Response because information technology'll dramatically raise how much you can take away from the post-obit essays and more chiefly, your power to apply this strategy in your own writing.

Within the THINK strategy, we have 3 steps, or ABC. These ABC components are:

Step 1: Analyse

Step 2: Brainstorm

Footstep 3: Create a Plan

THINK

Moving-picture show technique-based prompt:

Hitchcock's use of film techniques offers an unnerving viewing feel. Discuss.

Step 1: Analyse

While nosotros should use moving-picture show techniques every bit part of our show repertoire in each essay, this detail type of essay prompt literally begs for it. Equally such, I'd ensure that my essay has a greater focus on film techniques (without concerning myself besides much over inclusion of quotes; the flick techniques will act as a replacement for the quotes).

Step two: Brainstorm

Since the essay prompt is rather open up-ended, it is up to us to decide which cardinal themes and ideas we'd like to focus on. By narrowing downwardly the discussion possibilities ourselves, nosotros'll i) brand our lives easier by removing the pressure level to write about everything, and two) offer teachers and examiners a more linear and straightforward approach that will make it easier for them to follow (and give you ameliorate marks!).

The 'unnerving viewing experience' is present throughout the entire film, and so my approach will be to split up up each paragraph into start of the film, eye of the flick and terminate of the film discussions. This will help with my essay'southward coherence (how well the ideas come together), and flow (how well the ideas logically progress from one to another).

Step three: Create a Plan

Contention: Through a various range of film techniques, Hitchcock instils fearfulness and apprehension into the audience of Rear Window.

P1: The opening sequence of Rear Window employs diverse film techniques to immediately found underlying tension in its setting.

P2: Through employing the Kuleshov effect in the strategically cut scene of Miss Lonelyhearts' attempted suicide, Hitchcock adds to the suspenseful tone of the motion picture past developing a guilty voyeur within each viewer.

P3: In tandem with this, Hitchcock ultimately adds to the anxiety of the audience by employing lighting and cross-cut techniques in the climax scene of the plot, in which an infuriated Thorwald attempts to enter Jeff's apartment.

If you find this helpful, and then you might desire to check out our A Killer Text Guide: Rear Window ebook, which has all the information and resources yous need to succeed in your exam, with detailed summaries and groundwork information, as well every bit a detailed assay of all five essay prompts!

8. Resources

Download a PDF version of this blog for printing or offline use

How To Write a Rear Window Film Analysis

Rear Window: How Does Its Message Remain Relevant Today?

The Ultimate Guide to VCE Text Response

How To Write A Killer Text Response (ebook)

How To Embed Quotes in Your Essay Similar a Boss

How To Turn Text Response Essays From Average to A+

v Tips for a Mic-Drop Worthy Essay Conclusion

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Source: https://www.vcestudyguides.com/blog/the-complete-maus-by-art-spiegelman

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