Orson Welles’ 1941 cinematic masterpiece, “Citizen Kane”, remains an unrivaled classic, compelling film enthusiasts and scholars alike to probe into its intricate narrative. The symbol of ‘Rosebud’ stands out as the movie’s most enigmatic puzzle piece, encapsulating the myriad of complexities within its plot and characterization. This essay delves into the representation and importance of ‘Rosebud’ within “Citizen Kane”, providing an analysis of its implications on the protagonist’s life, and its narrative significance in the wider scope of the film.
In “Citizen Kane”, ‘Rosebud’ serves as a significant thematic anchor that shapes the narrative framework. It is introduced at the onset as Charles Foster Kane’s dying utterance, generating a sense of mystery that drives the plot and piques the audience’s curiosity. The journalists, on a quest to decipher its meaning, serve as a conduit for the viewers, unveiling the multifaceted dimensions of Kane’s life through a series of fragmented flashbacks.
The sled named ‘Rosebud’, as revealed in the closing moments of the film, symbolizes Kane’s lost innocence and longing for simplicity. Despite his opulence, political ambitions, and domineering personality, ‘Rosebud’ conveys Kane’s unfulfilled longing for his childhood – a period untainted by the complications of wealth and power. It reflects Kane’s innermost desire to recapture the love and simplicity of his early years, which he forfeited when he was bequeathed to Thatcher.
On a broader level, ‘Rosebud’ serves as a metaphorical critique of the American Dream, examining the correlation between wealth, power, and personal fulfillment. The motif reflects the hollowness of Kane’s material success and the human cost of his ambition. In a way, ‘Rosebud’ represents everything that Kane had lost in his relentless pursuit of power and his profound solitude, despite his apparent success.
Through ‘Rosebud’, director Orson Welles underscores the theme of identity and the futile search for understanding. The journalists, despite their rigorous efforts, never uncover the meaning of ‘Rosebud’. This inability to decipher ‘Rosebud’ signifies the film’s critique of the notion that a man’s life can be understood or distilled into a singular truth. The complex, multifaceted nature of human existence cannot be adequately represented by a single word or memory, suggesting that Kane remains an enigma, even in death.
In a sense, ‘Rosebud’ also embodies the impossibility of completely knowing or understanding another person. Despite the exhaustive investigation into Kane’s life, the viewers, like the journalists, are ultimately left with more questions than answers. This represents the ultimate human mystery, our inability to fully grasp the essence of someone else’s life or experiences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ‘Rosebud’, while serving as a narrative mystery in “Citizen Kane”, is a poignant symbol of Kane’s inner turmoil, lost innocence, and his futile pursuit of happiness. This emblematic motif provides a deeper understanding of the protagonist’s character, underlining the hollowness of material success and the melancholy that often accompanies unquenched desires. By focusing on the interpretation of ‘Rosebud’, we gain insight into the film’s commentary on the American Dream and the human condition, as well as the deep psychological complexities of its central character, thereby enriching our understanding of this timeless cinematic masterpiece.
References
- Gottesman, Ronald. “Focus on Citizen Kane.” Prentice-Hall, 1971.
- Naremore, James. “The Magic World of Orson Welles.” Southern Illinois University Press, 1989.
- Carringer, Robert L. “The Making of Citizen Kane.” University of California Press, 1985.
- Mulvey, Laura. “Citizen Kane.” British Film Institute, 1992.
- Lebo, Harlan. “Citizen Kane: The 50th Anniversary Album.” Doubleday, 1990.
