SIGNS AND SYMBOLS TSOTSI ESSAY

SIGNS AND SYMBOLS: 

DUE 3RD APRIL (BEGINNING OF LESSON)

Signs and symbols are a way of implicitly enhancing central ideas in a film. Discuss how signs and symbols enhance the narrative in ‘Tsotsi’. 

1) Immediately we are greeted with the use of the dice. The dice, coupled with the use of hands ‘rolling the dice’ symbolises?

2) When we first meet Tsotsi he is wearing black, later on in the film his clothing changes to white. Explain the use of his clothing change. 

3) Boston explains the use of the word ‘decency’, he spells it for Tsotsi and his gang as it isn’t a word they’ve heard before. What does this mean?

4) The baby is found in the back of the car, you might want to comment on the lighting used and the effect of Tsotsi finding the baby. How does the baby influence Tsotsi’s journey. 

5) Tsotsi often sits watching over the city like a vulture - what is the relevance of this?

6) Miriam is a religious name used in the bible, look it up and explain the symbolism behind her name. Miriam also wears orange and creates mobiles out of rust and broken glass. Explain the relevance of these symbols.