Why Edward Scissorhands’ Hands Were Laced with Scissors: An Exploration of Symbolism and Design
Edward Scissorhands, a character from Tim Burton's 1990 film, stands out as a unique and enigmatic figure, with an anatomy quite unlike any other. Why were his hands laced with scissors? This article delves into the multifaceted reasons behind this design choice, examining its implications in the narrative and how it contributes to the character's development.
Symbolism: Beauty and Danger
The prominent feature of Edward Scissorhands is his hands, designed with scissors. This choice serves as a powerful symbol, representing both his isolation and inability to connect with the world. His hands embody the duality of beauty and danger that permeates his character.
On the one hand, Edward's scissors can create intricate topiaries and beautiful haircuts, bringing beauty and functionality to his surroundings. However, on the other hand, these very same scissors make him a dangerous presence, leading to conflicts and misunderstandings. This dichotomy highlights the central theme of his isolation and the difficulty of fitting in with society.
Character Development: The Search for Acceptance
The scissor hands are a symbol of Edward's struggle for acceptance. Despite his inherently noble and gentle nature, his appearance instills fear and suspicion in others, leading to conflicts and misunderstandings. This struggle is a critical aspect of his character development, driving his quest for normalcy and the desire to be understood.
Edward's scissors represent the incompatibility between his inner self and the reality of his external appearance. This imbalance creates both internal and external conflicts, pushing him to the brink of despair and confusion. His unique design forces him to grapple with questions of identity, belonging, and the price of conformity.
Visual Storytelling: Gothic Aesthetic and Themes
Tim Burton's choice to give Edward Scissorhands scissors as hands serves a crucial role in the film's visual storytelling. The gothic aesthetic of the film is enhanced by this unusual feature, creating a stark contrast between the fantastical and the mundane.
The dark and imposing scenery of Edward's former workplace, alongside the mundane suburban life he enters, further emphasizes the clash between the fantastical and the mundane. This juxtaposition serves to underscore the themes of otherness and the unique nature of Edward's situation.
Could His Hands Have Been Sharpened?
One might wonder: why not make Edward’s scissors duller or give him traditional hands? The sharpness of his scissor hands serves both a narrative and symbolic purpose. Dulling them would lose the symbolic weight of danger and beauty, undermining the character's essence. Additionally, traditional hands could diminish the visual impact and thematic depth that the scissor hands provide.
Replacing his hands with something closer to tong hands could indeed make Edward less dangerous, but it would also strip him of the unique symbolism that defines him. His hands are a physical manifestation of his multifaceted personality, and any change would alter the very soul of the character.
Conclusion: The Metaphorical Writing
While changing Edward Scissorhands' hands might solve some practical problems and enhance his ability to interact with the world, it ultimately ruins the metaphor that Tim Burton established. The sharpness of his scissors serves a crucial role in the narrative, symbolizing his struggle for acceptance and the duality of his character.
The scissor hands remain a central element that drives the plot and deepens the themes of love, acceptance, and the nature of humanity. While a practical solution might have been to dull or change his hands, the symbolic and narrative importance of his unique design makes this an integral part of his character and the story's success.