Name______Per._____Date______
Society & the Individual: Edward Scissorhands
Background
Who is Edward Scissorhands? Where does he come from? How is he “created?”
Characterization
Edward is adopted by the Boggs family and is seemingly introduced to society for the first time. Use specific examples from the film that indicate what Edward learns from each of the different neighbors and personalities he interacts with. Also, what role or stereotype does each of these characters fulfill? What does Edward learn from him/her? Consider words of character like trustworthy,
Peg & Bill Boggs
Character Traits/What does Edward learn?
Role/Stereotype:
Kim Boggs
Character Traits/What does Edward learn?Role/Stereotype:
The Housewives
Character Traits/What does Edward learn?Role/Stereotype:
Jim & Esmeralda
Character Traits/What does Edward learn?Role/Stereotype:
Socialization
Compare Edward’s immersion into society to that of Victor’s Creature in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. In the box at the bottom, draw some conclusions about each character’s based on their similarities and the impact of socialization.
Edward Scissorhands Victor’s Creature
Awkwardness RegardingLove & Family Relationships
Unfamiliarity with Laws (Trial & Error)
Actions of Goodness/Selflessness
Questionable Behaviors
Intentional/Unintentional Harm
Draw Conclusions about Socialization Based on Similarities
Symbolism:
For this section, provide a vivid description of each item below, and interpretits symbolic allusion in the film.
Edward’s Home (darkness):
“Suburbia” (color):
Hedge Clippings:
Snow/Ice Sculpture
Use of Make-up
Scissorhand:
Pillars of Character
In each box identify at least two (2) examples of how these character traits are apart of Edward’s social development. Be specific!
Citizenship / CaringFairness / Trustworthiness
Responsibility / Respect
Themes/Lessons:
Edward learns a lot about himself and about society when he is adopted by the Boggs family. For each of the themes below, discuss the significance or symbolism of each as related Edward’s experiences in “suburbia.” If applicable, discuss what you think that the director’s message is to the audience based on the theme.
Self-discovery:
Isolation:
Social acceptance:
Elements of Nature:
Rejection:
Noble Savage:
Society and the Individual
Throughout the course of the film Edward Scissorhands, the viewer follows the social development of the protagonist as he is thrust into society for the first time. Like the “Creature” in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Edward experiences a series of circumstances which help shape his identity as a member of society and humanity.
In a 3-4 page essay, compare Edward Scissorhands to Victor Frankenstein’s Creature and draw conclusions about society’s impact on each character’s social development. How are their experiences similar? How are they different? How does their initial isolation contribute to their misunderstanding about what humanity? How do love and caring relationships impact each protagonist’s perception of what it means to be apart of society?
Moreover, draw connections of social development and its impact on the individual to other literature that we have analyzed and discussed his year (Lord of the Flies, 1984, etc.). How does society effect the social development of an individual in these societies?
Lastly, extend your analysis of social development to your own experiences as a teenager in your own “suburbia.” How does society effect your development as an individual? What kinds of relationships, influences, etc. help shape who you are?