This post is a great read for anybody, but it will be especially intriguing for:
Teachers of Unit Three VCE English
Students studying this text as a part of VCE Reading and Creating, for either the Creative or Analytical SAC.
The following is an excerpt from our Rear Window Study Companion, available on the resources page of our website.
She expects me to marry her.
That’s normal.
I don’t want to.
That’s abnormal.
Each couple depicted in Rear Window provides a unique way of understanding what Hitchcock may be saying through the film. The plot of the film is driven by the tragedy of Anna Thorwald’s murder - a clear and blatant breakdown of a relationship that ends in tragedy. The couple who sleep on the fire escape seem to have found contentment with each other and, for a brief moment, the newlywed couple appear to be the symbol for marital bliss and the joy that comes from relationships. However, cracks appear as Jeff observes the man staring out his window exasperated. When viewing these examples in conjunction with Jeff’s reluctance to commit to Lisa and the strain this places on their relationship, it could be easy to simply view the film as a cynical warning of the restrictive nature of romantic relationships - with evidence that most lead to a feeling of constraint, and in the worst case, death at the hands of a partner.
However, not every relationship has to be seen through cynical eyes. Stella speaks fondly of her marriage to Miles and that they have “loved every minute” of their union. When we place this amongst all of the other observations made by Stella, we can consider that Hitchcock uses her as a voice of common sense. Stella’s ability to see herself and her husband as a “couple of maladjusted misfits” could be seen as an admission that successful marriages are rare, or that one needs to accept their faults in order to find happiness with another.
Did you notice? When the newlyweds enter their apartment, the groom is shown carrying his bride through the doorway in a traditional act that is referred to as carrying a bride ‘over the threshold’. Consider what this may mean, particularly to an audience from the 1950s, in terms of entering a new way of being. Hitchcock’s decision to show his audience the couple’s ceremonious entrance presents the distinction between one’s life before commitment and then as a part of a committed relationship.
Hitchcock is also able to provide commentary on relationships through those who are single throughout the film. Miss Lonelyhearts exhibits the desperation to be in a relationship. Providing a counter point for those who seem restricted by them, Hitchcock shows her longing for company; holding a mock dinner and fantasising about entertaining company. Her fighting off of the man who assaults her in her apartment provides further evidence to her struggle to find a meaningful relationship and the dangers of those who look to prey on vulnerable women. When this scene is viewed alongside the observation of Miss Torso “juggling wolves”, Hitchcock presents the experience of an unmarried woman as one of fending off those who view them vulnerable and desperate for any form of male attention. Miss Torso, whom Jeff believed to have her “pick of the drones” is shown to actually be in a relationship at the conclusion of the film and thus undermining all of Jeff’s assumptions about her. Her excitement as to her partner Stanley’s return, coupled with the pairing of the songwriter and Miss Lonelyhearts provides a more optimistic interpretation of the role of relationships in one’s life. Through these examples, relationships are shown to be redemptive and fulfilling, providing a sense of contentment for those who can find someone with whom they can share their life.
Did you notice? At around one hour and eighteen minutes, Hitchcock shows a party at the songwriter’s house. Amongst the din of the event and the enthusiasm of his guests, the songwriter is framed alone in the middle of others. Even amongst company, the songwriter is shown to be yearning for connection and desperately alone.
Ultimately, the role of relationships in a society can be seen in many different ways through the decisions that Hitchcock has made. Jeff’s reluctance to marry - seeing it as “something drastic” and the end of his ability to “go anywhere” is tempered by the film’s conclusion. The audience is left to question whether his editor’s advice that marrying would stop him from turning “into a lonesome and bitter old man” has perhaps been successful as Jeff seems committed to Lisa.
“Maybe one day she’ll find her happiness.” “Yeah, and some man will lose his.”
A blunt view of relationships could be that they are restrictions upon a person’s personal freedom. However, there is also evidence to suggest that the forming of relationships can bring a sense of salvation and hope. Each character provides a different dimension to how the audience can perceive the role of relationships within a society and the impact that forming these relationships has upon an individual.
Ben Taylor - The English Lab
We have lots more to say about this text! If you’d like for Ben to speak to your students or to your teaching team, please contact hello@englishlab.com.au
Please also look around our website for further resources and services that can help your Year Twelve teachers and students get the best out of themselves. Our study guide (of which this post is an excerpt from) is available by clicking on the ‘Resources’ tab at the top of this page.
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