Juxtaposition In Casablanca Essay

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In the film Casablanca, directed by Michael Curtiz, a clear juxtaposition exists between Rick and America. Despite Rick’s numerous similarities to America and his deep longing to be part of the country, a physical and psychological barrier separates the two. With America practically being on the opposite end of the world, Rick understands that he cannot abandon his responsibility to aid and influence others in Casablanca. Rick is willing to sacrifice his personal comfort and well-being for the greater good of society. This juxtaposition between America and Rick foreshadows that the United States would soon become involved in the war by overtly displaying Rick’s transformation when he confronts his troubled past. Using the idea of stoppages …show more content…

Rick, before encountering Ilsa, lives with the sole intention of satisfying his needs alone. He refuses to inconvenience himself in any way to aid another person. For example, when Ugarte frantically approaches him begging for a hiding spot, Rick coldly turns him down without even considering the request (Casablanca). As Rick still suffers from the loss of Ilsa, acting as an isolationist has become second nature to him. Ferrari even says to Rick at one point, “Isolation is no longer a practical policy” (Casablanca). Around this time, similarly, the United States has adopted a policy of isolationism. So far, the country has refused to join the war even though the Nazis, enemies of America, have clearly been dominating it. In Rick’s case, the interaction with Ilsa single-handedly transformed his social policy. Shortly after Rick first talks with Ilsa, he uncharacteristically chooses to help the underaged woman and her husband win at roulette. This transformation in Rick’s personality, stemming from the confrontation of his problems, culminates when he makes the ultimate sacrifice to send away Ilsa with her husband (Casablanca). In the same way that Ilsa’s appearance served as the definitive moment in breaking Rick’s isolationism, the film foreshadows how there similarly needs to be a definitive moment which breaks

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