What Is Buddy's Relationship In Elf

In the film, Elf, Buddy, a human raised by elves, never quite “fits in” with those around him. As he leaves the North Pole in search of his father, he acts in a rather distinct manner. Thus, in Elf, as directed by Jon Favreau, Buddy’s interactions with others and his surroundings highlight his unique identity. Being a human in the elf-dominated world, Buddy undoubtedly stuck out physically. He was several feet taller, he was heavier, and he struggled to cope in the petite elvish world, including its short showers or small shoes. Thus, his interactions with his environment compared to those of the elves around him highlight their differences, emphasizing Buddy’s distinct identity amidst the other elves. Moreover, he was incapable of acting like the other elves. He did not have the same, jolly voice as the other elves and struggled in the production of toys where other elves …show more content…
Despite many years of learning elvish ways, Buddy still never fit in and he could never quite tell why until he discovered that he was human. With this, he realized the interactions he had in the North Pole were unique, as he attempted to live an elvish life, but was ultimately human. This combination of elf and human interactions culminate in Buddy’s identity, as he embraces the cheerfulness of an elf, but adapts to the world in his larger-than-elf-sized body. Through this, Favreau accentuates Buddy’s compound identity through his interactions that embrace both his elvish nurturing and his human nature.
Upon discovering that he is truly human, Buddy departs for New York City where he encounters a whole new environment with people who sharply contrast the elves. Here, Buddy’s identity becomes even more distinct, as Favreau presents Buddy’s naivety and loving nature, as well.