Scene Theme

The theme of this scene is most likely to be "never give into oppression." The entire scene portrays these ideas when the Spartans fight back even in imminent death against the Persians and Xerxes. They would rather die than give up the freedom of their own kingdom. This theme is observable when the Spartans surprise attack after pretending to surrender. Leonidas shows that he values a free Sparta more than all of the riches that Xerxes offers even with his own dying breath. Many Spartans, like the captain, even continue fighting when they are stuck full of arrows and bleeding to death.

This scene uses line and shape very much to support the theme of it. Overall, the two aspects create focus on the Spartans’ last stand, draw attention to acts that portray the theme, and provide insight to the motives of Leonidas.

            Line is used quite well in this scene with all of the arrows and spears. In most shots, the actual lines from these objects draw the eye to the Spartans in their fight against the oppressors. Also, linear contrast is utilized when Leonidas throws his spear in revolt. In that shot, many actual lines are vertical as his spear is directly horizontal. Several virtual lines are noticeable as well. The line of attention draw in the dialogue before Leonidas kneels is between Xerxes and Leonidas, Xerxes being on higher ground. This shot enhances the idea that even though Xerxes has the higher ground and victory, the Spartans will still fight to the end and never give in.

            Shape supports the theme also. The helmets of the Spartans are mostly a triangular shape, which speaks stubbornness and focused, relentless motives of fighting back and defending Sparta. The spear heads also receive some attention being of the same triangular shape. The fact that the triangle represents leader is also ironic because it is used to represent the Spartans who fight against the so-called leader Xerxes. Irony is also observed when we see that Leonidas’s kneel is not a true kneel of submission but just a tactical tool so another Spartan can jump over the line to kill the Persian. Overall, this tools support the scene’s theme.