Metropolis · Question
How does Metropolis develop the theme of Religious and Mythological Symbolism?
Answer
Metropolis by Thea von Harbou develops Religious and Mythological Symbolism across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The book is steeped in biblical and mythological imagery, from the 'New Tower of Babel' to the 'Paternoster' machine (a parody of the Lord's Prayer). The cathedral, the 'City of the Dead,' and the figure of the 'mediator' frame the struggle in apocalyptic, spiritual terms.
The cathedral, the Virgin, and the bell of Saint Michael contrast with the industrial city. The Gothics' vow to destroy Metropolis if the cathedral is touched invokes religious martyrdom.
The Paternoster machine is likened to Ganesha, and Georgi's twisted Lord's Prayer blends Christian liturgy with machine worship, highlighting the perversion of faith.
References to the seal of Solomon, the Tower of Babel, and the 'apple of knowledge' imbue the chapter with biblical and mythological resonance.
Evidence in the book
- The New Tower of Babel
The cathedral, the Virgin, and the bell of Saint Michael contrast with the industrial city. The Gothics' vow to destroy Metropolis if the cathedral is touched invokes religious martyrdom.
- III
The Paternoster machine is likened to Ganesha, and Georgi's twisted Lord's Prayer blends Christian liturgy with machine worship, highlighting the perversion of faith.
- IV
References to the seal of Solomon, the Tower of Babel, and the 'apple of knowledge' imbue the chapter with biblical and mythological resonance.
- VIII
The cathedral, the figure of Death, the Seven Deadly Sins, and the monk Desertus all contribute to rich religious and mythological symbolism.
- X
Freder's dream is a vivid apocalyptic vision filled with biblical imagery: the Whore of Babylon, Death as a minstrel, the seven Deadly Sins, and a desecrated cathedral, all reflecting a world turned upside down.
- XI
The monk Desertus's sermon directly quotes Revelation, casting the mysterious woman as the Whore of Babylon and Metropolis as a sinful city.
- XII
The mother quotes scripture ('Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he reap') and her eyes are described as having the strength of a heavenly legion, invoking divine judgment.
- XIV
The catacombs setting, Maria's messianic role, and the imagery of the bloodred mouth evoke biblical and apocalyptic themes.
