What we see on Screen
Acting and Character Behavior
Sound, Music, and Dialogue
Meaning and Message
100

The way pain and blood is shown in the scene makes this consequence of violence clear.

What is pain or suffering?

100

The characters' facial expressions aboard the ship reveal this emotion. 

What is fear, desperation, or determination? 

100

The sounds of rain, waves, and shouting make the audience feel this.

What is anxiety or discomfort?

100

The audience is encouraged to sympathize most with this group.

What are the enslaved Africans?

200

Seeing characters struggle physically against restraint emphasizes this idea.

What is loss of control or oppression?

200

When characters resist despite danger they reveal this about them.

What is courage?

200

When music becomes quiet or disappears, the moment feels more this way.

What is serious or realistic? 

200

Showing physical restraint highlights this loss.

What is freedom?

300

The clothing and lack of possessions help show this about the enslaved Africans.

What is loss of freedom or identity.

300

Heavy breathing, shouting, or silence from the actors communicates this feeling. 

What is panic or tension?

300

Limited dialogue in the scene emphasizes this challenge. 

What is the language barrier or lack of communication? 

300

The actions of those in power suggest this about authority. 

What is that it can be abusive or cruel? 

400

The darkness, chains, and harsh conditions suggest this about life on the ship.

What is cruel or inhumane?

400

A character who takes the lead during chaos is meant to appear this way. 

What is strong or brave? 

400

Sudden loud noises during the scene heighten this emotion. 

What is fear or shock?

400

Based on this scene alone, the film suggests that the desire for freedom is this. 

What is powerful or unstoppable?

500

The creamed space aboard the ship shows the audience this about the characters' situation.

What is that they are trapped or confined? 

500

The reactions of different characters suggest this difference among them.

What is hope or hopelessness?

500

Moments of silence force the audience to focus on this. 

What is suffering or emotional weight? 

500

The scene presents enslavement as this rather than something distant or abstract.

What is brutal or personal?

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