In the Name of the Father Symbols, Allegory and Motifs

In the Name of the Father Symbols, Allegory and Motifs

Money from Gram

Before Gerry leaves on a ship to go to London we see his grandma secretly slip him some money so his parents don't see. This is a symbol of her unconditional love for her grandson and that though her parents don't approve of the way he is living his life she will always be there to support him no matter what trouble he gets into.

Tarzan

Gerry is caught by the IRA after inciting a riot in Belfast. They are preparing to shoot him in the knee for his continuance to start trouble in the city, and they tell him to pull down his pants. When he does he's wearing cheetah print underwear. It's a symbol of his unruly and wild nature that will not confrom to the constructs created by the IRA nor his father. He's his own man.

Dressed Up

After robbing a hooker Gerry buys himself new clothes. They are extravagant, over the top from head to toe. His new threads are a symbol of his nature to rebel against what is considered normal. It also represents his brash and foolish nature as he does not seek to fit in, but instead puts himself in the direct line of danger even at the risk of harming himself and the people he loves.

Photos

While Gerry is being interrogated the police officers he is shown images of victims from the pub bombing. He begins to break down once he sees them. The images are symbols the severity of the charges being brought against Gerry as well as the severity and life and death game he is now involved in because of the IRA and the dirty cops he's dealing with.

Rosary Beads

After Gerry drops acid with the other inmates he comes back to the cell he shares with his father. We see his dad praying with rosary beads in his hands. The beads are a symbol of the hope that he has for his son's life, and that he is not going to let go of believing that Gerry can and will be redeemed and make a good life for himself by doing what is right.

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