Mr Smith Goes To Washington Symbolism

The film Mr. Smith Goes to Washington directed and produced by Frank Capra is about a naive, honest young man named Jefferson Smith who was selected to replace a departed Senator. He was chosen in hopes to be easily manipulated to help the corrupt political boss Jim Taylor. While Mr. Smith is in Washington, he is learning and mentored by his father’s friend, Senator Joseph Paine. Senator Paine suggests to Mr. Smith that he should create a bill to keep him occupied. As Mr. Smith creates his bill with the help of his secretary Saunders, they stumble upon an inconvenience. Mr. Jefferson sees the corruption within the Senate, and tries to fight against them while they frame him of being corrupt. Mr. Smith doesn’t give up until his body can’t go anymore, thus …show more content…
Smith Goes to Washington by Frank Capra shows the American spirit throughout the film. Towards the opening scenes, Mr. Smith arrives in Washington and is astonished by the sights. He visits the Lincoln Memorial and sees a child reading his famous speech out loud. It represents the passion that is expressed in Mr. Smith reasons for his bill. As he presents his bill to the senate, he explains how the national boy’s camp would help the future generations find the American spirit. Another example the film shows the American spirit of Mr. Smith not giving up on what he believes is right. The final scenes of the movie Mr. Smith went on to argue for 24 hours of his innocence and won 't stop talking until someone believes him. This sets an example that you shouldn’t give up even if all the odds are against you. Lastly, the movie sets a tone of fighting for the rights. One of the scenes is Jefferson’s boy scout create newspapers and it goes against Jim Taylor. When Jim Taylor finds out the news, he sends his minions to attack their freedom of speech and take away all the newspapers. The boys don’t give up and continue on supporting Mr. Smith until the end. Thus showing how the film shows the American