The Theme of Forgivness and Redemption in Casablanca

Helf 1

James Helf

Mr. Kearney

American Hero/4

7 October 2014

The Theme of Forgiveness and Redemption in Casablanca

In the film Casablanca, Hal B. Wallis tries to direct a story about forgiveness and redemption, and while Rick Blaine's personal struggle to forgive Ilsa Lund is the obvious example, casual viewers will miss the significance of Sam's role as a redeemed man. His job as the piano player at Rick's Café Américain demonstrates not only Sam's personal redemption, but also acts as a symbol of hope to viewers of the film. If Rick can trust Sam, a cowardly man who would rather run from conflict than confront it, with operating the spiritual epicenter of Rick's Café Américain, then viewers, too, can trust that their mistakes and shortcomings will also be forgiven by a divine source.

Sam's role as a false guide casts him as a sinner in need of saving.

This screenshot shows Sydney Greenstreet and Humph...

This screenshot shows Sydney Greenstreet and Humph...

English: Rick's Café Casablanca in daylight

This is made apparent during both Rick's flashbacks and when Rick needs solace in the wake of Ilsa's appearance in Rick's Café Américain. Sam's idea of happiness and forgiveness is superficial; he believes ignoring and avoiding Rick's feelings will free him from the anger and regret he stores within his subconscious. His attitude towards Rick's problems illustrates Sam's cowardice, as he would rather run away from a problem than solve it. These plans of evasion and suppression are similar to the tactics of the prophet Jonah, when he attempts to avoid God's call to travel to Nineveh in the Old Testament; Odysseus, when he attempts to avoid Menelaus's call to the Trojan War; and Bruce Wayne, when he attempts to avoid fighting Bane in The Dark Knight Rises. The characters all think they are content in stasis, and their unwillingness to change shows a selfishness and...