MovieChat Forums > Nicholas Nickleby (2003) Discussion > Bird Symbolism/Imagery

Bird Symbolism/Imagery

posted 16 years ago by Heybartender
3 replies | jump to latest

On the special features of the Nicholas Nickleby DVD, the set designer talks about bird imagery throughout the film and urges the viewer to try to note as much of it as we can. So far, I've got (1) the dead mother bird at the beginning, and the baby bird alone in the nest, (2) Noggs "parroting" Ralph Nickleby ("I wish I was a parrot---I'd fly away." and then "I wish you were a parrot; I'd wring your neck."), and (3) the dead birds/bird feet collection in Ralph Nickleby's study. I think this is a really interesting aspect of the film and I'd love to see what anyone else can come up with!

Her?

[–] Lady_Lane 15 years ago

I also remember on the commentary the director talking about Juliette Stevenson giving Mrs. Squeers an almost bird-like quality, especially during the letter writing scene.

The truth ain't like a bunch of puppies running around you pick your favorite!

[–] aliceingoreland 11 years ago

When Smkie goes to Devonshire, because of illness, to live in the Nickolas' home, a dove coo.

As Smike lays under the giant oak, where Nicolas' father lay, birds sing.

[–] oldphotography-1 15 years ago

An interesting concept! I noticed the film's interest in birds as well. :)

Perhaps that the birds symbolize freedom, and the consistent imagery in which all the birds are dead or are talked about in the terms of dying perhaps portrays the desire for freedom in the characters themselves? For the Nickleby's, freedom from their Uncle, for Smike, freedom from the Squeers, for Madeline, her father...

There seems to be this symbolism in the movie where they are all gifted people in some way (Nicholas is charming and seems to have good fortune, his sister is kind and beautiful, Madeline is a talented painter, and Smike good-hearted and loyal and loving) and are being oppressed by their cruel superiors (the Squeers and Ralph Nickleby). The end, where the birds seem more lively, is sort of like them symbolically relieved of their oppressors and are set free.

Sorry if that seems a little off? Hopefully my point came acrosss. it IS 6 in the morning and I've had no sleep.

But that's my interpretation of the concept. :)