Name: __________________________________________ V for Vendetta Film Study Guide As we are watching V for Vendetta, you will complete this packet. The first page of this packet is for you to list any symbolism that you notice in the film, and explain the meaning of the symbol. You must find at least 3 symbols for full credit on this page! Symbol Describe what you notice in the film Idea/Concept What does the symbol stand for or symbolize? Answer the following questions as you watch the film. Introduction 1. Why would the director include the history lesson about Guy Fawkes at the beginning of the movie, if this scene is never returned to? Comic vs. the Film 2. How does the plot at the beginning of the film differ from the beginning of the graphic novel? 3. What changes with Evey’s character are made clear at the very beginning of the film? V’s Broadcast 4. Answer each of these questions about V’s broadcast: a. Who created this broadcast? b. What creative techniques are used to attract attention to this broadcast? c. How might different people understand the broadcast differently? Who is it for or against? d. What lifestyles, values, and points of view are included in the broadcast? What lifestyles, values, and points of view are left out? e. Why is this broadcast being sent? What does V want the people watching it to do and think? V’s Place – The Shadow Gallery 5. What types of things does V have around his house? 6. How does Evey react when she finds out that she must stay for a year? The Cover-up at Lark Hill 7. Why does Evey try to warn the bishop? Gordon’s Apartment 8. What is important about the fact that Gordon has a Quran? Inspector Finch 9. Who does Inspector Finch work for, and why is his allegiance questioned? Delia’s Death 10. Why does V leave a rose at every murder? The Diary 11. What does Delia initially think about the people she’s experimenting on? 12. What are Delia’s last thoughts as the medical center burns and she stares at V? Gordon’s Show 13. What is a show that is on TV in real life that is similar to Gordon’s show? Evey’s Imprisonment 14. How does Valerie’s Story help Evey through her imprisonment? Valerie’s Story 15. What happened to Valerie as a teenager in high school? 16. Who is “us” in the line “I still don’t understand why they hate us so much”? 17. How does Evey react to finding out who her kidnapper is? William Rookwood’s Story 18. The flashbacks to Chancellor Sutler’s early days look similar to what historic military parades? Why? 19. The government targeted its own civilians in order to fuel fear and panic throughout the country. What do they hope to achieve by doing this? Inspector Finch Predicts… 20. What is the outcome of V sending everyone the masks? 21. What is the government’s reaction to the masks? Evey Returns 22. Is Evey still bitter about what V did to her? The Underground 23. Why can’t V give up his final revenge for love? Sutler’s Final Statement 24. Why would V let Creedy dispose of Chancellor Sutler? 25. In his obsession with violence, why would V choose old fashioned sword and knife skills over guns and modern weapons? The End of V 26. Why doesn’t Evey remove V’s mask, even after he’s gone? 27. The military chooses to stand down and not attack civilians. What does this say about hope for the county? 28. At the very end, Evey explains who V was. What does she mean when she says, “…he was you and me…he was all of us”? Essay options on the back Choose one of the following essay options. Think about how you will answer it, and what kinds of evidence you will use. We will be writing these essays in class next week. 1. “Remember the idea, not the man.” Explain how this quote connects to the themes of the film. 2. “People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people.” Should this be true? If so, how does the idea of police or military officers fit in with that? Defend your point of view. 3. “Violence can be used for good.” Is this true? Defend your point of view. 4. Valerie writes, “Even though I do not know you, and even though I may never meet you, laugh with you, cry with you, or kiss you, I love you. With all my heart, I love you.” Is this possible? Defend your point of view. 5. V says, “You have no fear anymore. You’re completely free.” Why did Evey have to be tortured and imprisoned in order to be free? 6. “Fear became the ultimate tool of this government…The rest, they say, is history.” Explain this quote in relation to another historical event where a government used fear to control the people. 7. Choose one symbol that you believe plays a major role in the entire film, and explain what role it plays. These are now extra credit. Take your time, and write a really good essay!
