the plane to lisbon & letters of transit

Question 1

plane to lisbon is best east to leave Casablanca, and it represents what

Answer 1

the possibility of escape from war torn Europe and the first, most difficult step of the journey to america and freedom

Question 2

the letters of transit are the golden tickets out, the exit visas that can’t be refused.

Answer 2

throughout movie, these are what everyone wants, and whoever controls/holds the letters has tremendous power

Question 3

who holds power/the letters first

Answer 3

•at first, the civic authority of casablanca, in the person of Louis, controls the planes flights, and rick, who possesses the letters, has the power & over control over people’s fates

Question 4

how does the power shift hands

Answer 4

•later, rick transfers the letters to Ilsa and Laszlo, allowing them to depart on the plane
•as a result, the escaping refugees gain a powerful status as political symbols, while Louis and Ricks own power is weakened
•the two self sacrificing heroes have no choice but to leave and start anew