Jordan Peele’s 2017 directorial debut uses symbolic imagery to explore themes of racial tension, liberal racism, and cultural appropriation. The Sunken Place, for instance, represents the feeling of powerlessness experienced by Black individuals in a systemically biased society, while the hypnotism serves as a metaphor for the manipulative tactics used to control and exploit them. The seemingly benign actions and objects of the Armitage family and their guestsfrom the auction, the bingo game, and the teacup to the deer head trophyall carry deeper, sinister connotations related to the commodification and objectification of Black bodies and culture.
Analyzing these symbolic elements provides a deeper understanding of the film’s complex narrative and its commentary on contemporary social issues. By decoding the metaphors and visual cues, viewers gain insight into the insidious nature of prejudice and the subtle ways in which it manifests in everyday interactions. This allegorical approach elevates the horror genre beyond mere scares, prompting critical reflection on historical injustices and ongoing struggles for racial equality. The film’s impact lies in its ability to spark conversations about race and privilege through a compelling and thought-provoking narrative.
Further exploration of specific symbols within the film, such as the Coagula procedure and the significance of Chris’s camera, can enrich appreciation for the film’s nuanced storytelling. Examining these details offers a more comprehensive understanding of the film’s layered meanings and its lasting cultural impact.
1. Sunken Place
The Sunken Place stands as a pivotal symbolic element within the intricate tapestry of Get Out’s social commentary. It functions as a visceral representation of the feeling of powerlessness and voicelessness experienced by Black individuals navigating a society steeped in systemic racism. The hypnotic descent into this void signifies the suppression of agency and autonomy, mirroring the historical and ongoing marginalization faced by many. This metaphorical paralysis reflects the limited opportunities, stifled voices, and constrained mobility often imposed upon marginalized communities. Examples of this disenfranchisement can be seen in discriminatory practices across various societal structures, from housing and employment to the justice system.
As a central component of the film’s symbolic language, the Sunken Place allows viewers to viscerally connect with the psychological impact of racial oppression. It transcends mere narrative description and becomes a powerful embodiment of the emotional and social consequences of prejudice. This understanding is crucial for appreciating the film’s depth and its critique of societal power dynamics. By experiencing the Sunken Place through the protagonist’s eyes, audiences gain a deeper empathy for the struggles faced by those who experience marginalization. The chilling depiction underscores the urgent need for societal change and dismantling of oppressive systems.
The Sunken Place’s effectiveness lies in its ability to translate abstract concepts of societal injustice into a tangible, horrifying experience. It acts as a conduit for understanding the psychological toll of prejudice and reinforces the film’s overarching message about the insidious nature of systemic racism. Recognizing the Sunken Place as a potent metaphor for societal oppression provides a framework for analyzing not only the film’s narrative but also the real-world experiences it reflects. This understanding can foster more meaningful dialogues about race, power, and the ongoing fight for equality.
2. Hypnosis
Hypnosis in Get Out functions as a potent symbol of manipulation and control, mirroring the insidious ways in which systemic racism operates within society. It represents the subtle yet powerful mechanisms used to disempower and exploit marginalized communities. The film cleverly utilizes the hypnotic state to depict how societal structures, ingrained biases, and microaggressions can subtly influence individuals’ perceptions and behaviors, ultimately stripping them of their autonomy. This symbolic representation resonates with real-world instances where systemic inequalities create barriers and limit opportunities for certain groups, effectively “hypnotizing” them into accepting a subordinate position.
The chilling effectiveness of hypnosis in the film lies in its ability to expose the insidious nature of coercion. The Armitage family’s use of the teacup and the stirring spoon, accompanied by specific verbal cues, triggers a conditioned response in Chris, rendering him vulnerable to their manipulation. This process mirrors how societal conditioning can shape individuals’ beliefs and actions, perpetuating cycles of oppression. Consider, for example, the historical context of slavery and the subsequent Jim Crow era, where systemic structures and societal pressures were used to control and subjugate Black individuals. The hypnotic state in the film serves as a powerful allegory for these historical realities, highlighting how manipulation and control can be exercised through both overt and covert means.
Understanding the symbolic significance of hypnosis in Get Out provides a crucial lens for interpreting the film’s broader themes of racial inequality and the struggle for liberation. It underscores the importance of recognizing and dismantling systems of oppression that operate through subtle forms of coercion and manipulation. By depicting the psychological impact of these systems through the visceral experience of hypnosis, the film encourages critical reflection on the pervasive nature of prejudice and the ongoing need for social justice. The film’s enduring power stems from its ability to connect individual experiences of manipulation with larger societal structures, prompting viewers to examine the ways in which power dynamics contribute to the perpetuation of inequality.
3. The Coagula Procedure
The Coagula procedure represents a chilling form of cultural appropriation and exploitation within the symbolic framework of Get Out. It signifies the theft of Black bodies and their inherent qualities, reducing individuals to vessels for the desires of a privileged elite. This process, where a portion of a white person’s consciousness is transplanted into a Black individual’s body, serves as a potent metaphor for the historical and ongoing exploitation of Black talent, creativity, and physical attributes for the benefit of the dominant culture. This appropriation is often seen in the entertainment industry, where Black artists and their work are frequently commodified and repackaged for mainstream consumption, often without proper recognition or compensation. Similarly, the fetishization of Black physical attributes, both historically and in contemporary society, reflects the objectification and commodification inherent in the Coagula procedure.
The procedure’s depiction underscores the dehumanizing nature of reducing individuals to mere instruments for the fulfillment of others’ desires. The loss of autonomy and agency experienced by those subjected to the Coagula procedure mirrors the historical disenfranchisement and marginalization of Black individuals within a system designed to benefit the privileged few. This symbolic representation resonates with historical instances of forced labor and exploitation, where Black bodies were treated as commodities rather than human beings with inherent rights and dignity. The Coagula procedure, therefore, serves as a stark reminder of the insidious ways in which systemic oppression can manifest, stripping individuals of their identity and agency for the benefit of the dominant group.
Understanding the Coagula procedure within the context of Get Out’s symbolic language is crucial for grasping the film’s powerful critique of societal power dynamics. It highlights the insidious nature of cultural appropriation and the ongoing struggle for recognition and autonomy faced by marginalized communities. Recognizing the parallels between the fictional procedure and real-world instances of exploitation fosters a deeper understanding of the film’s message and its relevance to contemporary social issues. The Coagula procedure ultimately serves as a chilling reminder of the importance of respecting individual identity and dismantling systems that perpetuate exploitation and inequality.
4. The Auction
The silent auction scene in Get Out stands as a chilling representation of the commodification and objectification of Black bodies, a crucial element within the film’s symbolic language. This unsettling sequence serves as a stark reminder of the historical context of slavery, where individuals were treated as property, bought and sold for the profit of others. The scene’s quiet horror amplifies the dehumanization inherent in such practices, highlighting the insidious nature of reducing individuals to mere commodities.
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Commodification of Black Bodies
The bidding process, conducted with hushed tones and subtle gestures, mirrors the historical practice of slave auctions, where human lives were traded as objects. This commodification strips individuals of their humanity, reducing them to mere possessions to be evaluated and acquired based on perceived value. The scene evokes the historical trauma of slavery, highlighting the enduring legacy of objectification and exploitation.
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The Gaze of the Privileged Elite
The auction attendees, representing a privileged elite, embody the systems of power that perpetuate such dehumanizing practices. Their detached observation and evaluation of Chris underscore the power dynamics at play, where individuals from marginalized communities are subjected to the scrutiny and judgment of those in positions of privilege. This gaze reinforces the sense of objectification, highlighting the vulnerability and lack of agency experienced by those being “auctioned.”
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Loss of Agency and Autonomy
Chris’s forced participation in the auction highlights the powerlessness and lack of autonomy experienced by those subjected to such systems of oppression. He is rendered a passive object, unable to control his own fate or resist the forces that seek to exploit him. This loss of agency underscores the dehumanizing nature of commodification, emphasizing the profound impact on individual dignity and self-determination.
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Symbolic Significance of the Bingo Game
The seemingly innocuous bingo game that precedes the auction further emphasizes the theme of objectification. The guests’ casual engagement in this game, while simultaneously bidding on a human life, underscores their callous disregard for Chris’s humanity. The juxtaposition of these two activities highlights the normalization of exploitation within the context of the film’s narrative.
The auction scene, through its chilling symbolism, serves as a crucial turning point in the film, solidifying the underlying themes of racial exploitation and the struggle for liberation. It connects the historical context of slavery with contemporary forms of social injustice, prompting viewers to confront the enduring legacy of dehumanization and the ongoing need for social change. The scene’s power lies in its ability to evoke a visceral sense of unease and prompt critical reflection on the insidious nature of systemic oppression.
5. Chris’s Camera
Chris’s camera operates as a multifaceted symbol within Get Out’s intricate exploration of race and power dynamics. It functions simultaneously as a tool of witness, a means of self-preservation, and a representation of the outsider’s perspective. As a witness, the camera captures the unsettling details of the Armitage family’s behavior, documenting the subtle microaggressions and overt acts of manipulation that Chris experiences. This act of documentation mirrors real-world instances where individuals from marginalized communities utilize technology to record and expose instances of discrimination and injustice, holding those in power accountable. Examples include the use of cell phone cameras to document police brutality and the rise of citizen journalism in exposing systemic inequalities.
Furthermore, the camera serves as a crucial instrument for Chris’s survival. His attempt to photograph Georgina, hoping the flash will break her hypnotic trance, reflects the desperate measures individuals may resort to when confronting oppressive forces. The camera, in this context, becomes a symbol of resistance, a tool for reclaiming agency in a situation where control has been systematically stripped away. The act of capturing images becomes an act of defiance, asserting the right to document and expose the truth. The camera’s flash, though ultimately ineffective in Georgina’s case, symbolizes the potential for disruption and the hope for breaking free from the constraints of oppressive systems.
Finally, Chris’s camera represents his outsider status within the predominantly white community of the Armitage family and their guests. His constant observation and documentation highlight his detachment and unease, emphasizing the sense of otherness that pervades his experience. This perspective mirrors the experience of many individuals navigating spaces where they are marginalized or perceived as outsiders, constantly aware of the power dynamics at play. The camera, therefore, becomes a symbol of this heightened awareness and the burden of navigating a world fraught with prejudice and subtle forms of oppression. Understanding the symbolic weight of Chris’s camera provides a crucial lens for interpreting the film’s broader themes of surveillance, power, and the struggle for agency within a systemically biased society.
6. The Deer Antlers
The deer antlers in Get Out function as a significant symbol, deeply intertwined with the film’s exploration of hunting, trophy-taking, and the historical objectification and exploitation of Black individuals. Their recurring presence throughout the film underscores the predatory nature of the Armitage family and their guests, highlighting the insidious ways in which Black lives are perceived as trophies to be acquired and displayed. This symbolism connects to broader themes of racial violence, cultural appropriation, and the dehumanization inherent in systems of oppression.
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Symbol of the Hunt
The prominent display of deer antlers throughout the Armitage house establishes a recurring motif of hunting and predation. This imagery foreshadows the family’s true intentions, revealing their sinister plan to hunt and exploit Black individuals for their physical attributes. The deer, a symbol of innocence and vulnerability, becomes a metaphor for the targeted victims, highlighting the power imbalance and predatory nature of the Armitage family’s actions.
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Trophy and Objectification
The antlers, representing the spoils of the hunt, symbolize the objectification and commodification of Black bodies. Just as the deer is reduced to a trophy, so too are the Black individuals targeted by the Armitage family. Their bodies and inherent qualities are seen as objects to be acquired and displayed, reflecting a dehumanizing perspective rooted in historical patterns of exploitation and cultural appropriation.
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Connection to the Coagula Procedure
The antlers visually foreshadow the Coagula procedure, where Black bodies are literally taken over by white consciousness. The act of transplanting a portion of a white person’s brain into a Black individual’s body mirrors the act of taking a trophy, further emphasizing the theme of objectification and the desire to possess and control Black bodies. The antlers serve as a constant reminder of this underlying motive, reinforcing the film’s critique of racial exploitation.
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Historical Context and Racial Violence
The symbolism of the deer antlers resonates with the historical context of hunting and violence against Black individuals. The image evokes the history of lynching, where Black bodies were often treated as trophies, displayed as a form of intimidation and control. This connection adds another layer of meaning to the antlers, linking them to a legacy of racial terror and the ongoing struggle for racial justice.
The recurring presence of the deer antlers throughout Get Out reinforces the film’s central themes of racial exploitation, cultural appropriation, and the dehumanizing gaze of white supremacy. By connecting the imagery of hunting and trophy-taking to the Armitage family’s actions, the film offers a powerful critique of systemic racism and its enduring legacy. The antlers, therefore, serve not just as decorative elements, but as potent symbols that contribute to the film’s overall message of social commentary and its call for racial justice.
Frequently Asked Questions about Symbolism in Get Out
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the symbolic language employed in Jordan Peele’s Get Out, providing further insight into the film’s complex narrative and social commentary.
Question 1: What is the significance of the Sunken Place?
The Sunken Place symbolizes the feeling of powerlessness and voicelessness experienced by Black individuals in a systemically biased society, representing the psychological impact of marginalization and oppression.
Question 2: How does hypnosis function symbolically in the film?
Hypnosis represents the manipulative tactics and subtle forms of coercion used to control and exploit marginalized communities, mirroring the insidious nature of systemic racism.
Question 3: What does the Coagula procedure represent?
The Coagula procedure symbolizes the appropriation of Black bodies and their inherent qualities, reflecting the historical and ongoing exploitation of Black talent and physical attributes for the benefit of the dominant culture.
Question 4: What is the symbolic meaning of the auction scene?
The auction signifies the commodification and objectification of Black bodies, evoking the historical context of slavery and the dehumanizing practice of treating individuals as property.
Question 5: How does Chris’s camera function as a symbol?
Chris’s camera serves as a tool of witness, a means of self-preservation, and a representation of the outsider’s perspective, highlighting themes of surveillance, power, and the struggle for agency.
Question 6: What is the significance of the deer antlers?
The deer antlers symbolize hunting, trophy-taking, and the historical objectification of Black individuals, connecting to broader themes of racial violence, cultural appropriation, and dehumanization.
Understanding these symbolic elements enriches one’s appreciation for the film’s nuanced storytelling and its powerful social commentary. Further analysis can reveal deeper layers of meaning and connect the film’s narrative to real-world experiences of systemic racism and oppression.
Further exploration of these and other symbolic elements within Get Out can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the film’s layered meanings and its lasting cultural impact.
Unlocking Deeper Meanings
Delving into the symbolic language of Get Out enriches appreciation for its intricate narrative and social commentary. The following tips provide guidance for a more insightful analysis.
Tip 1: Consider Historical Context: Analyzing the film’s symbolism requires understanding the historical context of slavery, Jim Crow, and ongoing racial injustices. Connecting symbolic elements to this historical backdrop illuminates their deeper meanings.
Tip 2: Focus on Visual Cues: Pay close attention to recurring visual motifs, such as the deer antlers, the teacup, and the artwork within the Armitage house. These visual cues often carry significant symbolic weight.
Tip 3: Analyze Dialogue and Interactions: The characters’ dialogue and interactions often contain subtle clues to the film’s underlying themes. Analyze these exchanges for deeper meaning and subtext.
Tip 4: Explore the Use of Sound and Music: The film’s soundtrack and sound design contribute to the overall atmosphere and can enhance the symbolic meaning of certain scenes. Consider how these elements amplify the film’s message.
Tip 5: Research Critical Essays and Analyses: Exploring scholarly articles and critical essays on Get Out can provide additional perspectives and deepen understanding of the film’s complex symbolism.
Tip 6: Discuss and Share Interpretations: Engaging in discussions with others about the film’s symbolism can broaden perspectives and lead to new insights. Sharing interpretations fosters a deeper collective understanding of the film’s message.
Tip 7: Connect Symbolism to Contemporary Issues: Reflect on how the film’s symbolic language connects to contemporary social and political issues related to race, power, and identity. This connection enhances the film’s relevance and lasting impact.
Tip 8: Rewatch the Film with a Critical Eye: Multiple viewings of Get Out can reveal subtle details and layers of meaning that may have been missed initially. Each rewatch offers an opportunity for deeper analysis and interpretation.
By employing these tips, viewers can unlock a richer understanding of Get Out’s intricate symbolic language and its powerful commentary on race and society. This deeper engagement enhances appreciation for the film’s artistic brilliance and its enduring cultural significance.
The following conclusion synthesizes the key themes and symbolic elements explored within Get Out, offering a final perspective on the film’s lasting impact.
The Enduring Power of Symbolism in Get Out
Get Out’s symbolic tapestry, woven with intricate threads of historical context and contemporary social commentary, offers a chilling exploration of race, power, and the insidious nature of systemic oppression. From the chilling descent into the Sunken Place to the unsettling auction scene, the film’s symbolic language provides a visceral understanding of the psychological impact of marginalization and the dehumanizing effects of prejudice. The Coagula procedure, the hypnotic control, the ever-present deer antlerseach element contributes to a layered narrative that transcends the horror genre, prompting critical reflection on the enduring legacy of slavery and the ongoing struggle for racial justice. Analysis of these symbols reveals a nuanced critique of cultural appropriation, the commodification of Black bodies, and the subtle ways in which power operates within seemingly benign social interactions.
Get Out’s enduring power lies in its ability to spark critical conversations about race and inequality. The film’s symbolic language serves as a potent reminder of the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths and dismantling systems of oppression. By prompting viewers to engage with complex themes through a compelling narrative, Get Out transcends entertainment, becoming a catalyst for social change and a testament to the transformative potential of art. Its message resonates far beyond the screen, challenging audiences to confront the pervasive nature of prejudice and to actively participate in the ongoing fight for a more just and equitable society. The film’s legacy lies not only in its artistic brilliance but also in its capacity to inspire meaningful dialogue and action towards a future free from the insidious grip of systemic racism.
