Essay Questions

Is there an inherent conflict between Captain de Boledieu and Lieutenant Maréchal?

Lieutenant Maréchal is a poor subordinate working for his boss, Captain de Boledieu. Despite these two men having a cordial working relationship, there is a conflict between them because the boss is a wealthy man while Lieutenant Maréchal is a poor man. Captain de Boledieu is part of the aristocracy that controls the affairs of the poor people. Consequently, there is an inherent conflict between Captain de Boledieu and Lieutenant Maréchal because they belong to different classes and social statuses.

What is the primary theme in the film The Grand Illusion?

The primary theme in the film is the devastating effects of war. As seen in the film, war is destructive because it results in property destruction and massive deaths. In addition, war negatively impacts global economies. The theme of war is significant in the film because it warns viewers of the negative impacts of war and cautions them to champion a peaceful coexistence among nations.

How unique is the military culture, according to Jean Renoir?

The military culture is popular and unique because soldiers call each other brothers despite their different sides. In the film The Grand Illusion, the German and French soldiers call each other brother. Interestingly, these soldiers have different interests because each is fighting for his country. However, soldiers know that they only differ on political ideologies and must fight for their political wings. Otherwise, the soldiers are brothers and sisters who find themselves on the battlefields due to unavoidable circumstances.