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THE GREATEST SHOWMAN - THEMES - Coggle Diagram
THE GREATEST SHOWMAN - THEMES
Discrimination and Diversity - we all look different and have differences but ultimately we need to accept others.
Anne Wheeler is discriminated against when Phillip shows interest in her - she is not seen as acceptable by society.
When PT Barnum is looking for performers and he calls the 'Bearded Lady' beautiful and all the other ladies laugh.
The rioters outside the circus wanted the 'freaks' gone and did not want to support the circus.
All the performers are discriminated against for various reasons that make them different from the 'norm' - these differences are based on looks, race, talents etc.
Following your Dreams
PT Barnum dreams to make Charity happy and in the end he makes her happy
The Performers dream of fitting in and finding acceptance and they all find this in PT's circus
Phillip and Anne dream to be together and in the end this becomes reality.
PT Barnum's daughter wanted to be a ballerina and her dream comes true
Self-Belief - the belief in one's own worth.
All the performers had to learn that they had a talent that added value.
PT Barnum had to learn that he was good enough the way he was, he did not need to be wealthy to prove that he could make Charity happy and be a good husband and father.
Phillip Carlyle had to realise that he was able to achieve whatever he wanted to, away from high society and that he could find true happiness on his own terms.
Acceptance - is feeling as if we belong and being seen as equal to others
The 'freaks' experience self-acceptance through the film as they learn to like who they are
PT Barnum has to accept that he does need money and fame to make his life and wife happy.
The Bearded Lady learns to love herself and accept that she adds value - she expresses her talent
The crowd loves the circus by the end and they accept the performers for who they are
Phillip accepts that he does not need high society to be happy - he can make his own family
Family - refers to those who support you and want what is best for you
We learn that family is not always those who are related through blood.
The cast of the circus become a family as they all work together and find complete acceptance and happiness when they are all together.
We learn that sometimes, like in Phillip's case, it is best to walk away from your family and their expectations and carve your own life where you can be happy.