Discuss the second title of the film: "The Wind Bloweth Where It Listeth". Do you think it reinforces or contradicts the first title, which emphasizes human agency?
In the most recent film, there are two titles. The first title “A Man Escaped” seems to give a more general outlook of the film. It only shows us that the film is about a man that escaped from what we later now know is a POW prison. However, according to Singerman, the second title "The Wind Bloweth Where It Listeth", "indicates the presence of something or someone"(Singerman pg.216).This second title gives a deeper meaning to the film giving it a more Christian or spiritual feel. The two titles do not contradict each other, but instead reinforce the idea that Foutaine was not alone in his quest. The second title emphasizes more human agency. Events, that happened by chance, like Fontaine’s first partner being executed for his failed escape helps Fontaine to know that he will need hooks to get over the walls. After Fontaine goes with no success to find another partner and has nowhere to turn, he gets a cellmate that proves to be a great asset. These two events help to give Fontaine the positive freedom and knowledge he needs to escape. The knowledge and help that is given to Fontaine by these events seem to be just like wind coming where it is being waited upon like the second title “The Wind Bloweth Where It Listeth.”
According to Singerman, "the main title evokes the protagonist's personal exploit . . . and human will . . . and the second title suggest the no less vital role of Grace in the success of his undertaking" (Singerman 216). Although "A Man Escaped," emphasizing human agency, appears to contradict "The Wind Bloweth Where It Listeth," I believe it reinforces the events in the story of Fontaine's escape. The two titles reflect how Fontaine was able to escape through both human effort and chance.
Through dialogue and actions, we are able to see how these two titles work together. It is visible in dialogue when the pastor says to Fontaine, "God will save you," and Fontaine replies by saying, "only if we give him a hand." In essence, Fontaine is stating that we are the ones that must make the effort to make things happen the way we want them to happen. An example of such action is confiscating spoons to help pry open his prison door and using the lantern in his cell to create a hook to attach to the rope he made with sheets. However, there are certain events that take place by chance, meaning outside of Fontaine's control, that allow Fontaine to continue with his escape plan. For example, he receives an unexpected package with clothing. Rather than wear them, he tears them up in order to reinforce the rope he is making so that he can escape with greater success. Here is an example of chance playing a role in Fontaine's plans. It was through this unexpected event that Fontaine was able to give better strength to the rope he created in order to escape.
In conclusion, I believe that the two titles reinforce each other. There are things that take place that are out of our control and will at times work in our favor, but at the same time, we have to put our own best effort to make things happen. I think the two titles reflect certain times in our own lives, in that certain things happen that can't be explained, and those events may or may not motivate us to take specific courses of action.
According to Singerman the title "The Wind Bloweth Where It Listeth" refers to “courants extraordinaires” (p. 216) miraculous forces that helped in Fontaine’s escape from prison. The two titles are definitely different; “A Man Escaped” reinforces Fontaine’s personal efforts to escape the prison, while "The Wind Bloweth Where It Listeth" reinforces faith and supernatural godly forces. However, even thought they are contradictory titles I think they are also complementary titles because it is the union of both efforts that lead Fontaine to escape prison.
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ReplyDeleteIn the most recent film, there are two titles. The first title “A Man Escaped” seems to give a more general outlook of the film. It only shows us that the film is about a man that escaped from what we later now know is a POW prison. However, according to Singerman, the second title "The Wind Bloweth Where It Listeth", "indicates the presence of something or someone"(Singerman pg.216).This second title gives a deeper meaning to the film giving it a more Christian or spiritual feel. The two titles do not contradict each other, but instead reinforce the idea that Foutaine was not alone in his quest.
ReplyDeleteThe second title emphasizes more human agency. Events, that happened by chance, like Fontaine’s first partner being executed for his failed escape helps Fontaine to know that he will need hooks to get over the walls. After Fontaine goes with no success to find another partner and has nowhere to turn, he gets a cellmate that proves to be a great asset. These two events help to give Fontaine the positive freedom and knowledge he needs to escape. The knowledge and help that is given to Fontaine by these events seem to be just like wind coming where it is being waited upon like the second title “The Wind Bloweth Where It Listeth.”
According to Singerman, "the main title evokes the protagonist's personal exploit . . . and human will . . . and the second title suggest the no less vital role of Grace in the success of his undertaking" (Singerman 216). Although "A Man Escaped," emphasizing human agency, appears to contradict "The Wind Bloweth Where It Listeth," I believe it reinforces the events in the story of Fontaine's escape. The two titles reflect how Fontaine was able to escape through both human effort and chance.
ReplyDeleteThrough dialogue and actions, we are able to see how these two titles work together. It is visible in dialogue when the pastor says to Fontaine, "God will save you," and Fontaine replies by saying, "only if we give him a hand." In essence, Fontaine is stating that we are the ones that must make the effort to make things happen the way we want them to happen. An example of such action is confiscating spoons to help pry open his prison door and using the lantern in his cell to create a hook to attach to the rope he made with sheets. However, there are certain events that take place by chance, meaning outside of Fontaine's control, that allow Fontaine to continue with his escape plan. For example, he receives an unexpected package with clothing. Rather than wear them, he tears them up in order to reinforce the rope he is making so that he can escape with greater success. Here is an example of chance playing a role in Fontaine's plans. It was through this unexpected event that Fontaine was able to give better strength to the rope he created in order to escape.
In conclusion, I believe that the two titles reinforce each other. There are things that take place that are out of our control and will at times work in our favor, but at the same time, we have to put our own best effort to make things happen. I think the two titles reflect certain times in our own lives, in that certain things happen that can't be explained, and those events may or may not motivate us to take specific courses of action.
Just so the class is aware, "kosherheartedgentile" is Andrea Ritter
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ReplyDeleteAccording to Singerman the title "The Wind Bloweth Where It Listeth" refers to “courants extraordinaires” (p. 216) miraculous forces that helped in Fontaine’s escape from prison. The two titles are definitely different; “A Man Escaped” reinforces Fontaine’s personal efforts to escape the prison, while "The Wind Bloweth Where It Listeth" reinforces faith and supernatural godly forces. However, even thought they are contradictory titles I think they are also complementary titles because it is the union of both efforts that lead Fontaine to escape prison.
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