Analysis Of The Girl Who Was A Mystery: Margo In Paper Towns
The Girl Who Was a Mystery: Margo in Paper Towns
The widely known novel Paper Towns, written by John Green, was created into a movie this year, directed by Jake Schreier. The movie was a huge success and fans flocked to come see the adaptation. However, admirers of both mediums will pick up on a few differences that affected how some of the characters were portrayed—namely Margo Roth Spiegelman. Margo was a very complex individual in the book and we can see both parallels in her character and new parts of personality in the movie due to adjustments in plot. In both the novel and the film, Margo was consistently portrayed as a multifaceted mystifying individual. In both of the mediums, she is surrounded by “stories of epic adventures” (14)
that gave her a legendary title. There was an aura around her that led her name to be “spoken in its entirety with a kind of quiet reverence” (15) and making her a role model for all who knew her. This reputation would later be vital in her disappearance and attitude when she was found. Though many parts of her personality stayed consistent, we see a significant change in how Margo’s character is depicted, especially towards the end of the story. In the book, Margo is found alone, in a filthy broken down cabin, “lips chapped to cracking, makeup-less, dirt in her fingerless, her eyes silent” (281). This, along with her vicious manner towards her friends, gives the reader a negative, unlikeable feeling towards Margo. On the other hand, the Margo we see at the end of the film is dressed nicely and well-kept, living in the small town to continue thinking about her life. She acts calm and collected at the shocking sight of her friend and explains herself instead of lashing out. The stark contrast of her appearances and actions give a very different impression of Margo and how well she planned her journey to Agloe. Schreier took Green’s Paper Towns and made a wonderful adaptation that further developed Margo’s intricate character and also gave the story a new fresh ending. While both versions of Margo had their different quirks and motives, there was one theme that was strong throughout her character; Margo “loved mysteries so much, she became one”(8).
The widely known novel Paper Towns, written by John Green, was created into a movie this year, directed by Jake Schreier. The movie was a huge success and fans flocked to come see the adaptation. However, admirers of both mediums will pick up on a few differences that affected how some of the characters were portrayed—namely Margo Roth Spiegelman. Margo was a very complex individual in the book and we can see both parallels in her character and new parts of personality in the movie due to adjustments in plot. In both the novel and the film, Margo was consistently portrayed as a multifaceted mystifying individual. In both of the mediums, she is surrounded by “stories of epic adventures” (14)
that gave her a legendary title. There was an aura around her that led her name to be “spoken in its entirety with a kind of quiet reverence” (15) and making her a role model for all who knew her. This reputation would later be vital in her disappearance and attitude when she was found. Though many parts of her personality stayed consistent, we see a significant change in how Margo’s character is depicted, especially towards the end of the story. In the book, Margo is found alone, in a filthy broken down cabin, “lips chapped to cracking, makeup-less, dirt in her fingerless, her eyes silent” (281). This, along with her vicious manner towards her friends, gives the reader a negative, unlikeable feeling towards Margo. On the other hand, the Margo we see at the end of the film is dressed nicely and well-kept, living in the small town to continue thinking about her life. She acts calm and collected at the shocking sight of her friend and explains herself instead of lashing out. The stark contrast of her appearances and actions give a very different impression of Margo and how well she planned her journey to Agloe. Schreier took Green’s Paper Towns and made a wonderful adaptation that further developed Margo’s intricate character and also gave the story a new fresh ending. While both versions of Margo had their different quirks and motives, there was one theme that was strong throughout her character; Margo “loved mysteries so much, she became one”(8).