Symbols in Cast Away
Personal Response for "Cast Away" "Cast Away" is a fantastic film that has many hidden meanings beneath the surface. Before being analysed, it seems like it's simply about a man who experiences an adventurous journey after his plane crashes into the Pacific. After more thought was put into it, many symbolic meanings that demonstrated his human nature, mainly consisting his drive of survival, faith, hope, and morals, was revealed. I am able to arrive at the conclusion that yes, I do agree with the quote, "Cast Away delivers a strong message of fear, survival, faith and hope." After Chuck Noland is "chucked" onto an inhabited island, we as an audience immediately see various symbolisms of hope. As an example, in order to survive, he begins to open the FedEx boxes with high anticipations that they will consist of something useful. However, there is a certain package decorated with a pair of golden wings that he keeps sealed. It is inferable that by doing so, he is hoping to repossess his previous life in order to return the unopened box to its rightful owners. Striving to deliver one of the package kept him alive because it gave him a reason to live and a drive to survive, since doing so requires escaping the island which is his ultimate goal. Chuck also saves the locket containing the picture of his fiancée, which plays the same role as the undamaged package. It provides hope that there is a future waiting for him if he simply manages to escape. The fire created plays an important role as well; after multiple tries and failures, he finally achieves a spark. Before this achievement, Chuck had a very negative attitude towards his situation which immediately changes after succeeding. He is exhilarant and begins to yell and dance in excitement. He now has more hope since chance of survival is much greater with fire. He will likewise be able to be seen by passing ships, which provides a possibility of rescue. Soon after, for the first time in the entire movie,