Xiyue Wang
Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, Hunan, China.
*Corresponding author: Xiyue Wang
Abstract
Darkest Hour is a film that presents Winston Churchill’s wartime speeches, and this article will focus on the use of conceptual metaphors in these speeches. The article first explores the definition and historical origins of this rhetorical device, while reviewing previous research on conceptual metaphor, laying a theoretical foundation for subsequent analysis. Next, a detailed analysis was conducted on the conceptual metaphors used in Churchill’s speeches in the movie, especially those involving resistance and freedom. By citing movie clips, the symbolic meaning and effects of each metaphor were explained, and the underlying meaning of the speech was deeply explored. Subsequently, the role of these conceptual metaphors in the audience’s psychology was explored, with a focus on how these metaphors emphasized the British people’s determination to resist Nazi Germany and their desire for freedom. At the same time, the article also analyzed how the movie created Winston Churchill’s leadership image through conceptual metaphors and highlighted the unity of the British people in adversity. Finally, the article summarizes the application and effects of conceptual metaphors in Darkest Hour, emphasizes the role of these metaphors, and looks forward to possible directions for future research.
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How to cite this paper
Analysis of Conceptual Metaphors in the Movie Darkest Hour
How to cite this paper: Xiyue Wang. (2025) Analysis of Conceptual Metaphors in the Movie Darkest Hour. Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Science, 9(8), 1642-1646.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/jhass.2025.08.024