Home Dear Educator Letter Curriculum Connections Enroll Julius Caesar The Philadelphia Story Cat on a Hot Tin Roof CASABLANCA Behind the Scenes Before/During Viewing Activities After Viewing Activities Elements of Drama Aspects of Film The Man Who Came to Dinner Brigadoon Ah, Wilderness! Gaslight Evaluation

ELEMENTS OF DRAMA Symbolism Laszlo and Ilsa symbolize liberty Rain smudging Ilsa's farewell letter to Rick is symbolic of Rick's unshed tears Roulette Wheel is symbolic of the game of life and death Casablanca symbolizes purgatory America symbolizes heaven or paradise Sam's playing of "As Time Goes By" symbolizes the inevitability of Rick and Ilsa's love affair Theme: Self Sacrifice: Ilsa sacrifices true love in Paris to remain loyal to her husband; Laszlo sacrifices his life for the Resistance (figuratively); Laszlo is willing to sacrifice Ilsa to Rick if her safety is guaranteed; Rick sacrifices the visa and Ilsa to Laszlo Unhappy love: Rick loves Ilsa but cannot have her; Ilsa loves Rick and has to leave him for a second time; Laszlo knows Ilsa does not love him the way she loves Rick