How (Subconsciously) Wonderful!

In Frank Capra's "It's A Wonderful Life", there are many pieces of Catholic influences mixed within the story. Many of these are more than likely not on purposed, because they do not seem forced. They are rather likely part of subconscious showing up in minor details throughout the movie. One example is when the two characters George Bailey and Mary Hatch are walking home from a dance party turned pool party. Mary's name is likely influenced by the Virgin Mary's name. Mary in the film is wearing a robe after the pool scene, and when the Virgin Mary was around, people often wore robes as clothing. George and Mary could be viewed as Adam and Eve when they walk down a street that resembles a garden, alluding to the Garden of Eden. When George talks about lassoing the moon for Mary to have it to eat, it resembles the painting of the Virgin Mary, with the moonbeams shooting from her head.

Another scene that shows Catholic symbols is the blessing of the Martini's house. They give bread so the homeowners will never go hungry, salt so their lives will never lose flavor, and wine so they can prosper in this scene, which is somewhat like when Jesus gave bread and wine as his flesh and blood.

The last scene we watched in class was when George Bailey was being tempted by Mr. Potter. In this scene, the old, sly Mr. Potter is trying to trick George into signing an agreement he knows George will feel bad about. After all, George has made a promise to his family that he will keep the family's business alive and even though he would like to travel the world someday, he knows that he would feel best in his conscience if he kept true to his promise. The conniving Mr. Potter is a representation of the devil and how he tempts us.

I found it very interesting that these hidden symbols could be so easily inserted into the film, and likely without the directors and writers even realizing. It's amazing that you can tell things about a person through their works. The subconscious really does play a part in what the audience sees.