In the 2016 film The BFG, Sophie turns her jacket inside out as a deliberate symbolic gesture with two key meanings:
- To Queer Gender Identity: Sophie dons a red uniform jacket that previously belonged to a dead boy. By wearing this traditionally masculine garment and then turning it inside out, she challenges conventional gender norms. This act symbolizes her bold individuality and her departure from traditional feminine portrayals, emphasizing her resourceful and brave character beyond simple gender roles.
- To Detach from Tragic Symbolism: The action also serves to distance Sophie from the powerful and somber imagery of the "little girl in the red coat" from Steven Spielberg's earlier film, Schindler's List. That red coat is a poignant symbol of innocence lost amidst tragedy. By taking a red jacket and then reversing it, Sophie's act can be seen as Spielberg's way of recontextualizing such a symbol, moving away from passive victimhood towards agency and resilience within the fantastical yet challenging world of the BFG.
This choice underscores the film's deeper themes, showcasing Sophie not just as a lost child but as an active participant in her own destiny, capable of reshaping her identity and narrative.
Understanding the Symbolic Act
Sophie's jacket is not merely a piece of clothing; it's an emblem that evolves with her journey. Her decision to invert it highlights a crucial aspect of her character development and the film's underlying messages.
Key Aspects of Sophie's Jacket Transformation:
- Boldness and Agency: The act of turning the jacket inside out is a proactive choice, demonstrating Sophie's agency in a world much larger and more intimidating than she is. It signifies her refusal to be defined by circumstances or predefined roles.
- Reinvention of Self: By transforming the jacket, Sophie symbolically reinvents herself. She takes an item associated with one identity (a dead boy's uniform, potentially a symbol of military or rigid structure) and reconfigures it to suit her own unique spirit.
- Filmmaker's Commentary: For director Steven Spielberg, this detail serves as a subtle yet potent commentary. It allows for a nuanced exploration of character and theme, linking The BFG to broader discussions on identity and historical representation without explicitly stating them.
The table below summarizes the key symbolic implications of Sophie turning her jacket inside out:
| Aspect of Symbolic Meaning | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Queering Gender Identity | Sophie wears a "dead boy's red uniform jacket," and by turning it inside out, she challenges traditional gender expectations, showcasing her individuality and strength beyond conventional feminine roles. |
| Detachment from Tragic Past | This action serves to distance Sophie and the film from the tragic symbolism of the "little girl in the red coat" from Schindler's List, offering a reinterpretation of imagery associated with passive victimhood towards resilience. |
Sophie's action reinforces her as a pivotal and strong character, actively navigating her world and defining her own identity within the magical narrative of The BFG.
