The Violin Analysis

To emphasise McQueen’s point about the racism, he used the idea of recurring motifs to further illustrate his point. The recurring motif of the violin symbolises Solomon’s passion and hobby, and of what he should be doing with his life. In the film, there is a mid-shot of posh men and women dancing to the music created by the violin that Solomon is playing, to symbolise the happiness and joy in the Northern state of America, where equality is present as blacks and whites lived in harmony and with equal opportunities. Retrospectively, in the past, the Northern parts of United States had a slave-free environment where all are treated equally during the 1840s. The pure talent that Solomon possess is regarded as being very fine, proved by the dialogue, “These two gentlemen were enquiring
As the film goes on, the motif of violin is constantly repeated, even though Solomon is not in the same climate where he can play his violin comfortably. It is shown at the scene where Mr Ford asks Solomon to participate and play the violin at the party, that he has not truly forgotten about his true passion and ability. It shows that Solomon has not given up on gaining his freedom, evident through his violin playing even if he is in a condition where he is treated inhumanely and unfairly. So not only did the violin reinforce the idea of passion and freedom, it also represents hope that Solomon possessed. This whole concept reinforces the idea of racial injustice in their community. Another recurring motif is that of the bible throughout the film. Usually when we think of a bible we think of holy and sacred, but the way that the slave owners uses them is contradictory to the common belief. An example in the film is when Edward Epps, a white slave owner is talking to his slaves, “And that servant which knew not his Lord’s will be beaten with many