Caves and Mountains

Caves and MountainsDepending on the story, caves can represent:

Safety and shelter Protection from the outside world

New possibilities Darkness and danger Mysterious unknown

Mountains can represent: Obstacles to overcome Spiritual or mental rising Loneliness, seclusion

Permanence

Indiana Jones Plato’s Allegory of the Cave Monty Python and the Holy Grail Hercules Lord of the Rings Batman Begins Star Wars The Odyssey Dead Poets Society And many more.....

Examples in Literature and Pop Culture

Plato’s Allegory of the CaveThe cave represents what the prisoners

perceive as real life; upon leaving the cave, the prisoners are left feeling unprotected because it had always been their reality.

The isolated cave was considered part of a punishment, as seeing shadows on the wall made the prisoners unaware of the treacherous and vulnerable real world.

Indiana Jones

Caves represent danger as the explorer makes his way through darkness and booby-traps. With twists and turns and danger around every corner, the cave presents an environment of the unknown. Because of this, the characters and the audience are able to witness the dark, treacherous mood that the cave provides.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail

The cave that the explorers face represents danger and the unknown. Their journey led them to a dark cave guarded by an unknown monster.

Hercules

In stories and Greek mythology, mountains like Mount Olympus symbolize the dwelling of holy beings or gods, as well as a spiritual “rising”. They also represent an impenetrable object that man could not conquer, creating the belief that they were the homes of a higher power.

Frankenstein

“The desert mountains and dreary glaciers are my refuge. I have wandered here many days; the caves of ice, which I only do not fear, are a dwelling to me, and the only one which man does not grudge. These bleak skies I had, for they are kinder to me than your fellow-beings.” (Shelley, 94).

The mountains provide a dwelling of Frankenstein’s “super-human” creation, which forms an obstacle to the common man yet provides a safe haven and comfort for the monster.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

The cave on a mountain provides a secluded and isolated refuge for the Grinch, and a physical obstacle for the people of Who-ville. The Who’s are intimidated and afraid of the unknown setting that the mountain and reclusive cave provide.

Dead Poets Society

In this movie, the cave represents a realm of endless possibility. The boys go to the cave to read poetry and make music, so they can be separate from the rest of society that does not share their passion for poetry.

Tip-offs

What to look for:

Physical elements of setting that provide isolation and an obstacle for characters within the story to overcome

Indication of suspense, or climactic point within a story

Dark and suspicious settingHard to reachDangerous