Jordan Peele’s Get Out utilizes symbolic imagery to explore themes of racial tension, exploitation, and cultural appropriation. The hypnotic “Sunken Place,” for instance, visually represents the feeling of powerlessness and marginalization experienced by Black individuals in a white-dominated society. Costumes, dialogue, and even seemingly innocuous props are imbued with deeper meaning, adding layers of complexity to the narrative.
This allegorical approach allows the film to address sensitive social issues with nuance and impact. By weaving these metaphors throughout the story, Get Out prompts viewers to critically examine the insidious nature of systemic racism and the enduring legacy of slavery in contemporary America. This allegorical storytelling also contributes to the film’s enduring cultural relevance and its continued discussion in academic and social contexts.
A closer examination of specific symbolic elements within the film reveals a rich tapestry of meaning. The following sections will delve deeper into key motifs, exploring their significance and contribution to the film’s overall message.
1. The Sunken Place
The Sunken Place stands as a central symbolic element in Get Out, powerfully representing the feeling of helplessness and voicelessness experienced by Black individuals within a systemically racist society. It’s a visceral manifestation of marginalization, serving as a crucial lens through which the film explores themes of racial oppression and the struggle for autonomy.
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Paralysis and Powerlessness
The Sunken Place depicts a state of physical and psychological paralysis, mirroring the experience of being trapped and silenced by societal structures. This forced immobility reflects the limited agency afforded to marginalized groups and the frustration of being unable to resist oppression. Real-world parallels can be drawn to situations where individuals are stripped of their voice and autonomy due to systemic prejudice.
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Loss of Voice and Agency
Within the Sunken Place, characters are conscious but unable to control their bodies or communicate, symbolizing the silencing and erasure of Black voices and perspectives. This loss of agency highlights the ways in which systemic racism can render individuals powerless to control their own narratives and destinies.
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The Void and Isolation
The dark, empty void of the Sunken Place visually represents the social and emotional isolation experienced by those marginalized and excluded from mainstream society. This isolation reinforces the feeling of being trapped and unseen, further amplifying the sense of helplessness and vulnerability.
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Hypnosis as a Tool of Control
The Sunken Place is accessed through hypnosis, a symbolic representation of the manipulative tactics used to control and subdue marginalized communities. This highlights the insidious ways in which societal structures can exert power and influence, reinforcing existing inequalities.
Through the chilling imagery of the Sunken Place, Get Out provides a stark visual metaphor for the psychological and emotional toll of systemic racism. It serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and the importance of amplifying marginalized voices. The Sunken Place transcends a simple plot device, becoming a potent symbol of the Black experience in a society grappling with its history of racial injustice.
2. Hypnosis
Hypnosis in Get Out functions as more than a narrative device; it serves as a potent symbol of the insidious power dynamics and manipulative tactics employed to control and exploit marginalized individuals. The film utilizes hypnosis to represent the subtle yet pervasive ways in which societal structures can exert influence and reinforce existing inequalities.
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Coercion and Control
Hypnosis acts as a mechanism for stripping individuals of their agency and autonomy. This mirrors the coercive forces at play in systems of oppression, where individuals are often manipulated and controlled against their will. The hypnotic state reflects the experience of being trapped within a system that limits one’s freedom and self-determination.
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Suppression of Resistance
The hypnotic trance induced in the film symbolizes the suppression of dissent and resistance. Just as hypnotized individuals are rendered unable to fight back, marginalized groups can be silenced and prevented from challenging the status quo. This suppression of resistance reinforces the power imbalance and perpetuates systemic inequalities.
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Exploitation and Vulnerability
Get Out uses hypnosis to highlight the vulnerability of marginalized individuals to exploitation. Once hypnotized, characters are susceptible to manipulation and control, mirroring the ways in which systemic biases can expose certain groups to greater risks of harm and exploitation. This vulnerability underscores the need for greater protections and safeguards against such predatory practices.
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Psychological Manipulation
The film portrays hypnosis as a tool of psychological manipulation, employed to subtly influence and control the thoughts and behaviors of others. This manipulation serves as a metaphor for the ways in which societal narratives and stereotypes can shape perceptions and perpetuate harmful biases. The use of hypnosis in this context underscores the insidious nature of psychological manipulation and its impact on individual agency.
By employing hypnosis as a central symbolic element, Get Out exposes the underlying mechanisms of power and control that perpetuate systemic racism. The film’s exploration of hypnosis serves as a chilling reminder of the vulnerability of marginalized groups to manipulation and exploitation, urging viewers to critically examine the ways in which societal structures can perpetuate inequality and injustice.
3. The Coagula Procedure
The Coagula Procedure, the fictional brain transplantation process at the heart of Get Out, serves as a potent symbol of cultural appropriation and the insidious ways in which dominant groups exploit and commodify marginalized communities. This procedure, where the consciousness of a white person is implanted into the body of a Black individual, represents a chilling form of exploitation that strips individuals of their identity and reduces them to mere vessels for the desires of others.
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Body as a Commodity
The Coagula Procedure reduces the Black body to a desirable commodity, highlighting the historical objectification and commodification of Black individuals. This act of appropriation mirrors historical instances of exploitation, where marginalized groups have been treated as resources to be exploited for the benefit of the dominant culture. The procedure emphasizes the dehumanizing nature of such practices, reducing individuals to mere objects of desire.
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Theft of Identity and Culture
The transplantation of consciousness effectively erases the original identity of the Black individual, representing a symbolic theft of their culture, history, and lived experience. This erasure highlights the ways in which dominant cultures can appropriate and assimilate aspects of marginalized cultures without acknowledging or respecting their origins. The Coagula Procedure serves as a stark reminder of the violence inherent in such acts of cultural appropriation.
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The Allure of the “Exotic” Other
The film suggests that the white characters undergoing the Coagula Procedure are motivated by a desire to possess what they perceive as the superior physical attributes or “exotic” qualities of Black individuals. This fetishization of the “other” reinforces harmful stereotypes and perpetuates the notion that marginalized bodies are objects to be consumed and appropriated for the gratification of the dominant group.
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Perpetuation of Power Imbalances
The Coagula Procedure reinforces existing power imbalances by further marginalizing and exploiting Black individuals. By stripping them of their agency and autonomy, the procedure solidifies the dominant group’s control and reinforces systemic inequalities. This act of symbolic violence highlights the ways in which societal structures can perpetuate oppression and maintain the status quo.
Through the disturbing imagery of the Coagula Procedure, Get Out exposes the dark underbelly of cultural appropriation and the dehumanizing consequences of treating individuals as commodities. The procedure serves as a powerful metaphor for the ways in which systemic racism can strip marginalized groups of their identity, agency, and cultural heritage, underscoring the urgent need for social justice and the dismantling of oppressive systems.
4. Deer Antlers
The deer antlers prominently displayed throughout Get Out represent a potent symbol of hunting and prey, foreshadowing the protagonist’s perilous situation. Chris, the Black protagonist, is repeatedly confronted with images of deer antlers, both literally as a mounted trophy and metaphorically through the Armitage family’s obsession with hunting. This motif establishes a sense of unease and foreshadows the danger Chris faces as he becomes the target of the family’s sinister intentions. The antlers symbolize the predatory nature of the Armitage family and their view of Chris as prey to be hunted and exploited. This visual motif connects to historical and contemporary contexts of Black individuals being targeted and exploited due to their race.
The connection between hunting and the Coagula Procedure further solidifies the symbolic weight of the deer antlers. Just as hunters stalk and capture their prey, the Armitage family carefully selects and traps Black individuals for their bodies. The antlers serve as a visual reminder of this predatory dynamic, emphasizing the dehumanization and objectification inherent in the family’s actions. This symbolic layering contributes to the film’s overall sense of dread and underscores the vulnerability of marginalized groups to exploitation. Consider, for instance, the historical context of hunting and its association with power and dominance, often at the expense of marginalized communities and their resources.
Ultimately, the deer antlers in Get Out function as a chilling reminder of the power dynamics at play and the precarious position of the protagonist. They symbolize the predatory nature of the Armitage family, foreshadowing the danger Chris faces and highlighting the film’s broader themes of racial exploitation and the commodification of Black bodies. The recurring presence of this motif reinforces the film’s message about the insidious nature of systemic racism and the ongoing struggle for equality and liberation. This understanding of the deer antler symbolism provides viewers with a deeper appreciation for the film’s nuanced commentary on race and power.
5. Cotton
Cotton, seemingly innocuous, carries profound symbolic weight in Get Out, directly linking to the history of slavery and the exploitation of Black labor in America. The film subtly incorporates cotton imagery throughout, from the upholstered furniture to the stuffing spilling out of a chair during a violent struggle. These seemingly mundane appearances of cotton are far from accidental; they serve as visceral reminders of the forced labor and suffering endured by enslaved Africans who cultivated cotton plantations for centuries. This historical context imbues the cotton with a sense of unease and underscores the film’s exploration of the enduring legacy of slavery in contemporary society. The discomfort evoked by the cotton imagery serves as a constant reminder of the historical injustices that continue to shape present-day racial dynamics.
The connection between cotton and the Sunken Place further amplifies its symbolic significance. When Chris is hypnotized, he finds himself sinking into a dark void, surrounded by what appears to be cotton. This visual representation links the psychological trauma of the Sunken Place to the historical trauma of slavery. The suffocating nature of the cotton in this scene evokes the feeling of being trapped and powerless, mirroring the experience of enslaved individuals. This powerful imagery reinforces the film’s message about the enduring psychological impact of historical oppression and the ways in which it continues to manifest in contemporary society. The cotton, therefore, functions not merely as a visual element but as a conduit for understanding the intergenerational trauma of slavery.
Understanding the symbolism of cotton in Get Out provides crucial insight into the film’s complex exploration of race and exploitation. It serves as a powerful reminder of the historical context that informs present-day racial inequalities and the ongoing struggle for liberation. By associating cotton with both the physical and psychological oppression faced by Black individuals, the film compels viewers to confront the uncomfortable truths of America’s past and its lingering impact on the present. The cotton, in its quiet yet pervasive presence, becomes a symbol of the enduring legacy of slavery and a call for continued vigilance against all forms of racial injustice.
6. Teacup Stirring
The seemingly innocuous act of stirring a teacup in Get Out takes on a sinister symbolic meaning, representing the subtle yet pervasive microaggressions that Black individuals often face in predominantly white environments. Missy Armitage, the matriarch of the family, repeatedly stirs her teacup while hypnotizing Chris, the protagonist. This seemingly polite gesture becomes a trigger for his descent into the “Sunken Place,” symbolizing the ways in which seemingly benign actions can be weaponized to exert control and dominance. The rhythmic clinking of the spoon against the china creates an unsettling auditory backdrop, further heightening the sense of unease and foreshadowing the psychological manipulation Chris endures. This act, often associated with calmness and refinement, is subverted to become a tool of oppression, highlighting the insidious nature of microaggressions and their potential to inflict psychological harm.
The teacup stirring connects to broader themes of coded language and veiled racism. Just as the act itself appears harmless on the surface, many microaggressions are disguised as compliments or innocent inquiries. However, these seemingly harmless interactions can carry underlying messages of prejudice and othering. The teacup stirring serves as a visual and auditory representation of this phenomenon, highlighting the ways in which seemingly polite behaviors can perpetuate racial biases and reinforce power imbalances. Real-world examples abound, such as being asked “Where are you really from?” or having one’s hair touched without permission. These seemingly innocuous actions can be deeply unsettling and contribute to a sense of marginalization and alienation. The teacup stirring in Get Out serves as a potent reminder of the cumulative effect of these microaggressions and their impact on the psychological well-being of marginalized individuals.
Recognizing the symbolic significance of the teacup stirring allows for a deeper understanding of the film’s nuanced commentary on race and power dynamics. It underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing microaggressions, even those that appear subtle or unintentional. By highlighting the ways in which seemingly harmless actions can be used to exert control and perpetuate prejudice, Get Out challenges viewers to critically examine their own behaviors and the ways in which they might contribute to, or challenge, systemic inequalities. The teacup stirring, in its simplicity and repetition, becomes a powerful symbol of the insidious nature of microaggressions and the need for greater awareness and sensitivity in interpersonal interactions.
7. Bingo Game
The seemingly innocuous bingo game in Get Out functions as a chilling representation of the commodification and auctioning of Black bodies. This seemingly harmless pastime takes on a sinister meaning within the context of the film, symbolizing the ways in which Black individuals are objectified, evaluated, and ultimately chosen for exploitation by the white Armitage family. The bingo game acts as a perverse auction, where Chris’s physical attributes and perceived strengths are assessed and bid upon, reducing him to a mere commodity to be acquired and consumed.
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Commodification of Black Bodies
The bingo game explicitly equates Chris’s value to his physical attributes, mirroring the historical practice of evaluating enslaved people based on their perceived physical capabilities. This dehumanizing process reduces individuals to objects to be bought and sold, stripping them of their agency and autonomy. The casual nature of the bingo game further emphasizes the Armitage family’s callous disregard for Black lives, highlighting the normalization of their exploitative practices.
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Auction and Ownership
The bidding process within the bingo game directly parallels the auctioning of enslaved people. Each bingo call represents a bid for ownership and control over Chris’s body, reinforcing the film’s theme of the commodification of Black individuals. This act of symbolic auctioning underscores the power dynamics at play and the Armitage family’s belief in their right to possess and control Black bodies.
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Selection and Exploitation
The bingo game serves as a mechanism for selecting which Black individual will be subjected to the Coagula procedure. The “winner” of the game becomes the next victim, highlighting the arbitrary and capricious nature of the Armitage family’s selection process. This selection process underscores the vulnerability of marginalized groups to exploitation and the ways in which their lives are deemed disposable by those in power.
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Dehumanization and Objectification
By reducing Chris and other Black individuals to prizes to be won, the bingo game reinforces their dehumanization and objectification. This act of symbolic violence strips them of their individuality and reduces them to mere objects of desire and exploitation. The seemingly harmless game becomes a chilling reminder of the ways in which societal structures can perpetuate dehumanizing practices and reinforce existing power imbalances.
The bingo scene in Get Out stands as a powerful indictment of the historical and ongoing commodification of Black bodies. By transforming a seemingly innocent game into a symbol of exploitation and dehumanization, the film compels viewers to confront the uncomfortable realities of systemic racism and the enduring legacy of slavery. The bingo game, in its chilling simplicity, becomes a potent symbol of the ways in which marginalized groups are objectified, evaluated, and ultimately exploited for the benefit of the dominant culture.
8. Garden Party Attire
The attire worn by the guests at the Armitage family’s garden party in Get Out contributes significantly to the film’s unsettling atmosphere and symbolic representation of racial dynamics. The carefully chosen costumes underscore the film’s themes of cultural appropriation, veiled racism, and the performance of white liberal allyship. The guests’ attire, seemingly appropriate for a casual social gathering, takes on a more sinister meaning when viewed through the lens of the film’s racial commentary. This seemingly benign element of the film’s mise-en-scne becomes a powerful tool for conveying the underlying tensions and power dynamics at play.
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Colonial Aesthetics and Appropriation
The predominantly white guests are dressed in bright, summery colors, evoking a sense of leisure and privilege. This aesthetic, reminiscent of colonial-era attire, subtly reinforces the power dynamic between the white guests and Chris, the Black protagonist. The guests’ casual elegance contrasts sharply with Chris’s more contemporary attire, further isolating him and highlighting his outsider status. This visual distinction underscores the film’s commentary on the appropriation of culture and the perpetuation of historical power imbalances.
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Performance of White Liberal Allyship
The guests’ attire also contributes to the performance of white liberal allyship. Their seemingly innocuous questions and compliments towards Chris, coupled with their “appropriate” garden party attire, create a faade of acceptance and inclusivity. This performance, however, masks the underlying racism and exploitative intentions of the Armitage family and their guests. The carefully curated image of liberal progressiveness serves as a smokescreen for the sinister reality of their actions.
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Disguise and Deception
The garden party attire functions as a form of disguise, concealing the true nature of the Armitage family and their guests. The bright colors and seemingly carefree atmosphere create a veneer of normalcy that belies the sinister intentions lurking beneath the surface. This contrast between outward appearance and inner motives contributes to the film’s overall sense of unease and foreshadows the danger that Chris will ultimately face. The attire, therefore, becomes a symbol of deception and the insidious nature of veiled racism.
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Contrast and Isolation
Chris’s attire stands in stark contrast to the brightly dressed guests, further emphasizing his isolation and vulnerability within this predominantly white environment. His more contemporary clothing visually separates him from the crowd, highlighting his outsider status and foreshadowing his eventual realization of the true nature of the gathering. This visual distinction reinforces the film’s themes of racial othering and the precarious position of Black individuals within predominantly white spaces.
The garden party attire in Get Out transcends mere costuming, becoming a powerful symbolic element that contributes to the film’s complex exploration of race, power, and the performance of allyship. By carefully considering the visual language of the costumes, the film underscores the insidious nature of microaggressions, cultural appropriation, and the enduring legacy of racial inequality. The seemingly benign attire becomes a potent symbol of the underlying tensions and power dynamics at play, enriching the film’s overall message and prompting viewers to critically examine the complexities of race relations in contemporary society.
Frequently Asked Questions about Symbolism in Get Out
The intricate symbolism woven throughout Get Out often sparks discussion and raises questions. This section addresses some common inquiries regarding the film’s multifaceted use of symbolic imagery.
Question 1: What is the significance of the “Sunken Place”?
The Sunken Place symbolizes the feeling of powerlessness and voicelessness experienced by Black individuals in a systemically racist society. It represents the psychological and emotional toll of marginalization and the struggle for autonomy.
Question 2: How does hypnosis function as a symbol in the film?
Hypnosis represents the manipulative tactics used to control and exploit marginalized individuals. It symbolizes the insidious ways in which societal structures exert power and reinforce existing inequalities, suppressing resistance and increasing vulnerability.
Question 3: What does the Coagula Procedure represent?
The Coagula Procedure symbolizes cultural appropriation and the commodification of Black bodies. It represents the theft of identity and the dehumanizing practice of reducing individuals to mere vessels for the desires of others.
Question 4: What is the symbolic meaning of the deer antlers?
The deer antlers symbolize the predatory nature of the Armitage family and their view of Black individuals as prey to be hunted and exploited. This connects to historical and contemporary contexts of Black individuals being targeted due to their race.
Question 5: Why is cotton such a potent symbol in the film?
Cotton evokes the history of slavery and the exploitation of Black labor. Its presence throughout the film serves as a visceral reminder of the forced labor and suffering endured by enslaved Africans on cotton plantations.
Question 6: What is the significance of the seemingly innocuous act of stirring a teacup?
Stirring the teacup symbolizes the subtle yet pervasive microaggressions often directed at Black individuals in predominantly white environments. This seemingly benign act represents the ways in which seemingly harmless actions can be weaponized to exert control and perpetuate racial biases.
Understanding the symbolism in Get Out enhances appreciation for its nuanced social commentary. Further exploration of individual symbols can deepen understanding of the film’s powerful message.
The next section will delve deeper into the critical reception and cultural impact of Get Out.
Understanding the Symbolism in Get Out: Tips for Deeper Analysis
Get Out’s intricate symbolism adds layers of meaning to the narrative. These tips offer guidance for a more comprehensive understanding of the film’s powerful message.
Tip 1: Consider Historical Context: Analyze the symbols in relation to the history of slavery and racial injustice in America. Understanding this context provides crucial insight into the film’s commentary on the enduring legacy of oppression.
Tip 2: Pay Attention to Visual Cues: The film relies heavily on visual storytelling. Observe recurring motifs, color palettes, and composition to uncover deeper meanings embedded within the imagery.
Tip 3: Analyze the Use of Sound: Sound design plays a crucial role in creating the film’s unsettling atmosphere. Pay attention to the use of music, sound effects, and silence to understand their symbolic significance.
Tip 4: Focus on Character Interactions: Examine the power dynamics and microaggressions present in character interactions. These subtle exchanges often reveal deeper truths about race relations and social hierarchies.
Tip 5: Explore the Concept of the “Sunken Place”: Consider the various interpretations of the Sunken Place and its symbolic representation of powerlessness, isolation, and the silencing of marginalized voices.
Tip 6: Deconstruct the Coagula Procedure: Analyze the procedure’s symbolic meaning in relation to cultural appropriation, the commodification of Black bodies, and the theft of identity.
Tip 7: Reflect on the Ending: The film’s ending offers opportunities for interpretation. Consider its implications for the characters and its broader message about resistance and resilience.
By applying these tips, viewers can gain a deeper appreciation for the film’s intricate symbolism and its powerful commentary on race and society. Careful analysis of these symbolic elements unlocks a richer understanding of Get Out’s enduring cultural impact.
The following conclusion synthesizes the key themes explored throughout this analysis of symbolism in Get Out.
The Enduring Power of Symbolism in Get Out
Get Out masterfully uses symbolic imagery to explore complex themes of race, identity, and power. From the chilling depths of the Sunken Place to the unsettlingly casual bingo game, each symbol contributes to the film’s nuanced critique of systemic racism and its enduring legacy. The film’s exploration of microaggressions, cultural appropriation, and the commodification of Black bodies, all conveyed through carefully chosen symbolic representations, elevates the narrative beyond a simple horror story, transforming it into a potent social commentary. Analysis of these symbolic elements reveals the film’s profound exploration of the psychological and emotional toll of racial injustice.
Get Out’s enduring impact stems from its ability to spark critical conversations about race and inequality. The film’s symbolic power lies in its capacity to resonate with audiences on multiple levels, prompting reflection on the insidious nature of prejudice and the ongoing struggle for social justice. The film’s legacy serves as a testament to the power of art to confront difficult truths and inspire meaningful dialogue, urging continued vigilance and action towards a more equitable future. By understanding the film’s symbolic language, audiences gain a deeper appreciation for its message and its contribution to contemporary conversations about race and representation.
