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On the Waterfront

On the Waterfront. ~Themes~. What are themes?. Themes are the fundamental and often universal ideas explored in a literary work. Informing as the Correct Moral Choice. Terry Malloy obeys moral authority by choosing to inform on the

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On the Waterfront

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  1. On the Waterfront

  2. ~Themes~

  3. What are themes? • Themes are the fundamental and often universal ideas explored in a literary work.

  4. Informing as the Correct Moral Choice • Terry Malloy obeys moral authority by choosing to inform on the corrupt union officials—that is, he clearly makes the morally correct decision.

  5. The Transforming Power of Faith • Edie and Father Barry, the two characters who most help Terry figure things out, have faith in something intangible.

  6. The Transforming Power of Faith (continued) Edie maintains faith in her belief that people care about the well-being of others and want to do the right thing.

  7. The Transforming Power of Faith (continued) • Father Barry maintains faith that acting as a representative of God can help others do the right thing.

  8. Power Corrupts • In the game of power there are no true friends, just the acquisition of more power and the defence of that power

  9. Power Corrupts (continued) • Johnny Friendly’s taste for power has left him morally bankrupt • Mr.Upstairs turns on Johnny Friendly in an instant

  10. Power & Control(similar to Power Corrupts) • The film shows us a world controlled by powerful criminals who use threat and bullying to achieve power over people • Friendly is the one in control of the workers • In reality he is a coward who uses brute force to gain control

  11. Power & Control(similar to Power Corrupts) • Friendly is defeated by Terry’s courageous stance at the conclusion

  12. Love • Terry’s attitude to life changes when he falls in love with Edie • Formerly Terry was indecisive and weak

  13. Love • Love makes him more courageous and strong • He begins to commit himself firmly to exposing the criminal activities of Johnny Friendly and his gang

  14. Love(continued) • It is love for his brother Terry and the desire to protect him from danger that costs Charley his life • Love and loyalty to his brother Charley moves Terry to take a firm and final stance against Johnny Friendly

  15. Loyalty & Betrayal • Edie’s loyalty to her dead brother Joey is the main driving force motivating all her actions in the film • Her loyalty to Joey’s memory contributes in many ways to the final destruction of Friendly’s corrupt tactics

  16. Loyalty & Betrayal(continued) • Friendly betrays Charley by having him murdered even though Charley has worked with him for many years

  17. Loyalty & Betrayal (continued) • Friendly gets Terry to betray Joey by luring him out on to the roof at the beginning of the film • Out of loyalty to his dead brother Charley, to Joey and the workers, Terry boldly confronts Friendly and defeats him at the conclusion

  18. Can you think of any other themes in On the Waterfront?

  19. Writing Task • Choose one (or two) of the themes discussed in this presentation and write 400-500 words of explanation. • Support your thoughts with examples/quotes from the film

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