Climactic+Moments

Definition: A climactic moment is a specific time of great intensity either in a film or narrative. Examples outside of the novel: There are thousands of examples of climactic moments outside of the novel 'Plot Against America', seeing as how every structured film and narrative posses a climax, built into it's plot. However, one movie specifically has a very recognizable climactic moment to me. In the film Casablanca (1942) Laszlo and wife Ilsa are forced to leave the country to escape the Germans, which in turn forced Ilsa to leave her secret lover Rick, never to see him again. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iprVaZqVKJQ&feature=related ( Casablanca Climax ^)

Another example of a climactic moment is from the well known disney film: The Lion King. Scar leaves Simba were there is a stampede of antelope charging through. Simba’s father, Mufassa, has no choice but to risk his life and save him. However, Mufassa ends up dieing. This is one climax of the movie because Mufassa was the king of the “animal kingdom” and now there is no one to take his spot. Simba ends up running away. This event also builds up to another important climax where Simba decides to return and take over his father’s position. This is a good example because not only is it a climax of the movie, it also builds more intensity for another climax. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdjn_85h1Ow

One example of a climactic moment is Winchell’s assassination. This is a climactic moment because intensity is building up. Jews are terrorised, bombs are thrown on schools, Jews are beaten up and their stores are burned. At Winchell’s funeral Lindbergh is accused to be a Nazi and Winchell is claimed to be assassinated by the Nazis of America. “It can’t happen here? My friends, it is happening here- and where is Lindbergh?” (305). The plot begins to turn as fear increases in the Roth’s family along with the Anti-Semitic atmosphere. This is also a climatic moment because Lindbergh’s plan starts to become uncovered. From this Winchell’s supporters begin to realize how bad the situation really is. Another example of a climactic moment is Lindbergh’s disappearance. This is a climactic moment because the plot begins to turn. There are rumours Lindbergh has been kidnapped, and German state radio announces the kidnapping has been organized by a Jewish conspiracy plot. This leads to more Anti- Semitic riots in US cities. This event also leads to another climax of the book when Aunt Evelyn claims, “The Nazis plotted every manoeuvre of the Lindbergh’s election campaign.” (351) Because of Lindbergh's disappearance, FDR takes over and new feeling of security is initiated.