Pan's Labyrinth : Representations

Question 1

How is Captain Vidal presented? (gender)

Answer 1

• Obsessed by his father’s military exploits + equally determined his own son (refuses to believe child won’t be a boy) is born close to him. More important than health of sick wife
• Scolds wife for discussing romance in public, dismissive of Ofelia (stepdaughter) -> examples of misogynistic attitudes in patriarchal society
• Appearance & actions (narcissistic grooming - shaving, polishing his boots, spotless uniform, precise way he fixes his father’s watch) point towards excessive display of masculinity & desire for order and to control - linking masculinity & patriarchy to fascism/oppression

Question 2

How is Ofelia presented? (gender)

Answer 2

• Positive female representation: Strong willed, brave & independent in thought
• Resists fascism/Vidal through love of literature/fairy tales/imagination
• Scene which Ofelia ruins dress -> demonstrates her rejection of patriarchal values & rejection of conformity
  -Her fate of death is still inevitable as Vidal kills her- shows how women are still vulnerable and shows the destructive nature of facism and violence

Question 3

How is Carmen presented? (gender)

Answer 3

• Passive character, subject to her husband’s wills
• Allows herself to be controlled by her husband, confined to wheelchair at his request (representing her lack of agency/freedom), silenced at banquet when discussing their romance by him
• Her death during child birth -> unmourned by Vidal = extreme representation how women are oppressed in patriarchal society (Vidal’s only concern = son/heir to continue his patriarchy)

Question 4

How is Mercedes presented? (gender)

Answer 4

• More positive representation to Carmen
• Caring/compassionate towards Ofelia, resourceful, strong willed
• Actively resists Vidal/fascists, supports Rebels by smuggling supplies to them