Wadjda Symbols, Allegory and Motifs

Wadjda Symbols, Allegory and Motifs

Chuck Taylors

The opening shot of the film is of a young girls feet in traditional socks and shoes. We then see Wadjda wearing Chuck Taylors. This is a symbol that she is someone who does not belong to the cultural traditions of what is expected of women in Saudi Arabia.

Being Seen

The girls at the school are playing hopscotch and then see men working on a far away roof. The girls leave, as they are taught to not be seen by men in public, but Wadjda does not leave. This is a symbol that she believes women are meant to be seen, not to hide from men.

Black Veil

The girls in the school leave for the day and cover their faces with black veils. This is a cultural symbol that women are not meant to be seen or heard in public life in Saudi Arabia.

Bike

Wadjda desires to purchase the green bicycle from the shop near her home. The bicycle is a symbol of freedom for her from the cultural norms of the Saudi society that she disagrees with.

Training Wheels

Abdullah brings his bike for Wadjda to learn to ride to her home. He has training wheels on it which makes her cry. The training wheels are a symbol that he believes women cannot do things the way men can, and his taking them off is a symbol of his love for Wadjda.

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