On The Waterfront ~ Prompt help

[onur369]

Hey guys, I need some help writing up a prompt for class which is based on Elia Kazan's On the Waterfront.

Prompt: How does Terry's final walk demonstrate his development?

[Ghost!]

Hmm. I've never really understood why everyone is fussed with the 'final walk', it never struck me as that important in relation to so much character development that happens beforehand. Anyway, your topic.

I'd discuss the way in which the final walk is symbolic of Terry achieving a complete change of character. At the beginning he takes no responsibility for his own actions, is abused by members of the mob, and is a man of contradictions. By contradictions, I mean he is a man who is physically strong but walks with his head stooped low, has strong broad shoulders but is constantly curled inwards. As he walks in to the docks his head is held high, his shoulders are broad and despite tripping up walks in strongly/proudly.

[LOVEPHYSICS]

Its significance lies with the fact that the walk symbolises a spiritual victory. Kazan intrudes to suggest that it is the strength within a person that counts, as evidenced by Terry's brutalised physical body.

[24lover]

His walk is huge! I agree with what everyone else said and to top that off, it's also about how he represents the longshoremen because they're all 'waiting for him.' He's the answer to restoring a waterfront union and their rights to work. In a way, it is a reflection of the past. A couple years ago Friendly ordered him to be defeated by Wilson so they could all earn money. However this time, when Terry is 'down' he refuses to give into Friendly and his men and instead literally and symbolically 'stands up for himself.'

[cranberry]

could also mention imagery of the scene and its significance regarding christ (jesus' struggle toward calvary/onlookers).
maybe even compare it to jesus' strength to "survive" after being whipped (like terry being bashed)

[onur369]

Did exactly that, score: 9/10