Pan's Labyrinth = Key Themes

Question 1

Innocence =

Answer 1

• Ofelia explores her childhood innocence in a mature way due to the brutal world she inhabits
• Ofelia encounters the mythical world and moral choices which mirror her loss of innocence which is shown as she confronts dangers
• Her strong moral compass contrasts sharply with the brutality of the adult world
• She is drawn into the fantasy land which offers an escape from the oppressive atmosphere
• Her innocence is shown through the willingness of following fairy tales
• Ofelia’s innocence is continually challenged by the harsh world around her which strips her of her child innocence
• It reflects her coming of age journey making difficult moral decisions

Question 2

Power =

Answer 2

• The theme of power is prominent through Vidal who represents the oppressive, authoritarian regime of fascist spain.
• He is obsessed with control, order and legacy and uses violence to assert their dominance
• The resistance to power is shown through the rebels who symbolise the fight against the abuse of power