Metropolis · Theme
Class Division and Exploitation
How Metropolis develops Class Division and Exploitation.
The stark divide between the elite, like Joh Fredersen and his son, and the subterranean workers is a major theme. The workers live in a 'subterranean city' and are treated as expendable cogs, while the upper class enjoys luxury, leading to simmering revolt and calls for destruction.
Where it surfaces
- Metropolis
The chapter establishes the fundamental divide between the ruling class above ground and the exploited workers below.
- The New Tower of Babel
The workers are depicted as a uniform, dehumanized mass, marching into the machine center, while Freder, the son of the Master, lives in luxury and observes from above.
- II
The stark contrast between Freder's privileged perspective and the workers' exploited condition, along with Joh's cold justification of the system, highlights class division.
- III
Freder, the son of the Master, exchanges his privileged life for a worker's uniform, directly confronting the exploitation of laborers in the machine hell.
- IV
The mysterious plan found in a dead worker's pocket and the workers' secretive behavior underscore the divide between the ruling class and the labor force.
- VI
The contrast between Georgi's tattered white silk (symbol of the elite) and his exploited state highlights class divisions.
- VII
Freder's exchange of clothes with the worker Georgi symbolizes his attempt to cross class boundaries, while Slim's enforcement of Joh's will highlights the exploitation inherent in the system.
- IX
Josaphat's forced exile from Metropolis by aeroplane underscores the power dynamics between the ruling class and those they discard, while his landing in a pastoral setting highlights the chasm between the industrial city and the rural countryside.
- XIII
Rotwang describes the workers' growing misery and desire for destruction, exploited by Joh Fredersen's scheme.
- XIV
Maria's speech contrasts the workers' misery with the masters' luxury, highlighting the deep class divide.
- XV
The mob's hatred of the machines and the guard Grot symbolizes the exploited workers' rage against the oppressive system that treats them as expendable.
- XVII
The subterranean workers' city, built by Joh Fredersen, is vulnerable to flooding, highlighting the exploitation and peril faced by the lower class.
- XVIII
Grot's rage over his destroyed machine reflects the dehumanization and exploitation of workers, while the children's suffering highlights the cost of industrial oppression.
- XIX
The contrast between the wealthy 'House of the Sons' and the desperate workers highlights class conflict, as Maria brings children to the care of former playthings.
- XX
The mob's hatred targets Freder as the son of Joh Fredersen, highlighting class antagonism.
- XXII
Slim's accusation that the city's madness and destruction result from Joh Fredersen's will highlights the exploitation and suffering of the working class.
