GENDERQUESTION 1

Explain how gender is represented in Rebel Without a Cause.

EXCELLENCE/MERIT: Discuss the representation of gender in Rebel Without a Cause, applying this to political and historical ideas at the time.

Points in the film that will help you plan your essay:

1) INTRO: Write about how women were represented at the time, how does this relate to the American Dream, the nuclear family, etc? How were women advertised at the time?

2) How do we see Judy at the police station? She references a famous fairytale – can you spot it?

3) How is Plato represented – he has a famous male icon in his locker? What sexuality do we perceive him to be?

4) Take a look at Buzz’s possessive nature over Judy. Does she enjoy it? How does she submit to him?

5) Take a look at the homes of Jim and of Judy. Judy’s parents sleep very differently to Jim’s parents: separate beds for Judy’s parents and the same bed for Jim’s parents. Ironically, they act very differently to the way their beds are placed.

6) Think about the way Judy is slapped by her father and the way the mother reacts. How is this reaction different to Jim’s parents?

7) Talk about the way Jim’s father is dressed in relation to Judy’s father. Remember the pinny incident? Jim is missing a father figure – how does he act this out?

8) Finally, you could look at how Judy feels as she controls the cars at the end – how does this make her feel? Look at the distance between her and the cars.

9) Go back to the role of the family, why do Jim and Judy decide to play their parents? What does this say about society at the time?

SIGNS AND SYMBOLSQUESTION 2

Discuss the significance of signs and symbols in the film, explaining how they enhance central ideas and themes.

EXCELLENCE: Discuss how signs and symbols may be used as a comment on juvenile delinquency in the 1950’s. In addition, explain how the signs and symbols used in the film enhance central ideas and themes.

1) INTRO: Feelings of what the film meant at the time, perhaps some of Ray’s intentions as a director. What did he wish to portray? For excellence you’ll discuss the idea of juvenile delinquency at the time and using your booklet you might want to discuss what happened to juveniles at the time?

2) Clothing – the idea of black, red, green and pastel. How does this represent change? What does it mean for the central ideas and themes for the film?

3) Look at the role of astronomy in the film? What do the planets/planetarium, etc represent? Remember that, historically, the 1950s for a time of change and the USA were preparing themselves for space. Look this up for excellence.

4) Look out for the rabbit at the beginning of the film, it’s hopping down the alleyway between the two houses. What does the rabbit symbolise? Can you link this to the juvenile delinquency or themes and ideas?

5) Plato has a picture of a male icon in his locker. What does this symbolise? What equations do we draw from this? Plato also has a scooter while everyone else rides a bike? What statement is Ray making from this?

6) Look at the symbolism for the family – think about the role of the ‘fuzzy’ tv during the argument. What does this mean? Look at the distance between the family as they’re eating. The distance between their beds, etc?

7) Think about the end of the film – we keep seeing the red coat. It’s covering a toy at the beginning, then Jim is wearing it and now Plato after he is shot.

POLITICAL CLIMATE

QUESTION 3

Discuss how Rebel Without a Cause portrays the political climate of the 1950’s.

EXCELLENCE: Discuss the political climate of the 1950’s and how, implicitly, these feelings are portrayed in Rebel Without a Cause.

1) Introduce the idea of politics at the time. What war was the USA currently going through and how did this influence the climate of the time?

2) What were Truman or Eisenhower’s view of juvenile delinquents? What did each present decide to do with them? There are many references to juvenile hall. Take a look at the police’s reaction to the juveniles in the film.

3) Reference the idea of red scare in relation to the film. Look at the location of the suburban houses? What does the colour of red and black symbolise?

4) Look at ideas regarding Truman and Eisenhower’s view of family/suburbia and the role of youth. How are these ideas represented in RWAC?

5) Economic boom and baby boom? Are any of these ideas presented? How do? What greater comments do they make?