Beauty vs Ugliness
What is something beautiful Edward creates?
He creates beautiful garden sculptures, haircuts, ice sculptures or decorations.
Who shows Edward kindness when she first meets him?
Peg
How do the people in the neigbourhood show conformity?
They dress, act, talk and live in similar ways.
What is ugly on the outside but beautiful on the inside of Edward?
He looks scary because of his scissors and pale appearance, but he is gentle, creative and caring.
How do many characters react when they first see Edward?
They are shocked, scared, curious or suspicious.
Why does Edward struggle to fit in with the neighbours?
He does not understand their rules or behaviour.
What message does the film give about judging people by appearance?
Appearances can be misleading and people should not judge others by how they look.
How does fear affect the way people treat Edward?
They gossip, judge and blame him.
Why do the neighbours like Edward’s difference at first?
His difference is exciting and useful.
How is the suburb beautiful but ugly underneath?
It looks pretty and perfect, but the people are cruel, fake, judgemental and gossipy.
What is the difference between Peg’s reaction to Edward and the neighbourhood’s reaction?
Peg chooses kindness and care, because she sees him for who he is, while many neighbours choose fear, suspicion and judgement.
When do the neighbours stop accepting Edward’s difference?
When he seems dangerous or causes problems.
Explain how Tim Burton uses Edward’s appearance to explore beauty and ugliness.
Edward looks scary, but he is kind inside. Burton shows true beauty is about character, not appearance.
Explain how fear can make people cruel in Edward Scissorhands.
Fear makes people treat Edward like a monster.
What message does Burton give about conformity and difference?
People accept difference only when it benefits them.