| Term Paper Title | Fantasy In Cairo |
| # of Words | 953 |
| # of Pages (250 words per page double spaced) | 3.81 |
Fantasy In Cairo
Janna Hagen
F/V 412
Rosemary Kowalski
4/14/00
Fantasy in Cairo
In the film Purple Rose of Cairo, by Woody Allen, fantasy and reality are two very poignant themes. However, through discussion, the class brought up points regarding fantasy being Tom Baxter, and reality being Gill Shepherd; my perspective was different. Tom Baxter portrays the main theme of reality while Gill Shepherd demonstrates the role of fantasy. Also, the characteristic strength demonstrated by Cecilia as well as by Tom Baxter is pertinent to the story line. The remainder of this essay will entail why I have seen this film from a twisted view by using examples from the film.
In the beginning of the film Cecilia is lonely and weak due to the fact that her husband shamelessly gambles away their money as well as hits her. Cecilia hopelessly goes to the movies to find solace and peace away from her miserable world. While at the movie, Purple Rose of Cairo, she is enchanted by the thought of running away with the lead character. Tom Baxter, one of the main characters in the film, catches Cecilia looking at him with adoration and strongly decides to leave the film and run off with the lonely Cecilia. Tom is a wholesome, naïve, and sensitive man, who is everything that Cecilia's current husband, is not. Although Tom jumping out of the screen and into Cecilia's arms may seem more like fantasy than reality, it is Tom himself who represents reality to Cecilia. By Cecilia being lonely and abused by her current husband, Tom allows Cecilia to see what she could have if she had the strength to leave her husband. Tom also teaches Cecilia about life, which is a reality in its own right. When Tom and Cecilia go to the church Tom has simple answers for Cecilia's complex questions about god and the universe. These naivete answers only thrust Cecilia further into wanting to be happy with Tom. Tom tries to coax her to stay with him and live with him and be happy, however, Cecilia is hesitant at first. By the time the two realize they are in love with one another, they have each passed on the gift of strength to one another. Tom gives the strength to Cecilia by convincing her that she is unhappy and that she should leave her husband. Although Tom is a fictional character, Cecilia realizes the depth and meaning of what leaving her husband can bring. Similarly, Cecilia passes on strength to Tom by letting him know that he is wonderful, as well as letting him know that his advice and presence have made an impact on her life. Tom's final decision to go back into the movie was a strong one, for he loved Cecilia and wanted to be with her always. Cecilia...Read entire document
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