Mr Smith Goes To Washington Analysis

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In Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Jefferson Smith “goes to Washington” enamored with American government. In early scenes, Smith visits various American landmarks to the tunes of classic American songs. Director Frank Capra presents Smith as naive to the true state of government but knowledgeable about America’s history and founding principles: he memorized the writings of various Presidents. Capra shows Smith’s naively idealistic character when Smith discusses how his camp will remind young boys to remember the freedoms they have thanks to the American government. Meanwhile, these government leaders work to squander the freedoms Smith has. However, by the end of the film he is disillusioned with American government and recognizes its corruption. Nonetheless, Smith …show more content…
She maintains a stoic composition despite these difficulties. By the end of her trek she has become head of the Joad family and solely focused on surviving. She recognizes that she has become the head of her family when she says that “Pa’s lost his place” and that Pa “ain’t the head no more.” She reduces these living conditions to being “just like animals.” Catalysts for change include when Pa Joad was not able to perform as head of house anymore so Ma, the stronger of the two, took over. Another was when Ma kept a calm front when Grandma died so they could bury her in California. Ma faced many challenges and conflicts that led her to change. She lost her home and multiple family members over a brief period of time. The resolution of these challenges and conflicts formed because when the goal is simply survival, no one cares who is the head of the family. At the Keene Ranch, the owner asks if everyone, including women and children, can work. This film treats patriarchy like a privilege only the rich can afford, and therefore as detrimental to the essential well-being of a