"Inspired by a True Friendship."
Green Book - Symbolism & Philosophy
Symbols & Motifs
The Green Book
The Green Book itself symbolizes both the harsh reality of segregation and the resilience and resourcefulness of the African-American community. It is a tangible representation of the dangers black travelers faced, while also being a tool of empowerment that enabled them to navigate a hostile country with a degree of safety.
The record label gives Tony a copy of "The Negro Motorist Green Book" at the beginning of their journey to guide them to establishments that would serve African Americans in the Jim Crow South. While the title of the film, its importance as a historical artifact is a constant underlying presence throughout their travels.
Kentucky Fried Chicken
The fried chicken symbolizes cultural stereotypes and the breaking down of assumptions. For Tony, it's a food he assumes all black people enjoy. For Dr. Shirley, it represents a part of black culture he feels disconnected from. Sharing the chicken marks a moment of connection and the beginning of Dr. Shirley letting his guard down.
Tony buys a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken and is shocked to learn Dr. Shirley has never had it. He encourages him to try it, and they eat it together in the car, a scene that provides both humor and a subtle shift in their relationship.
The Letters to Dolores
The letters Tony writes to his wife, with Dr. Shirley's help, symbolize the emotional growth of both men. For Tony, they represent a newfound ability to express his love and vulnerability. For Dr. Shirley, they are a way to connect with another person on an intimate, albeit indirect, level, combating his own loneliness.
Dr. Shirley is appalled by Tony's poorly written letters and begins to help him compose more eloquent and romantic ones. This becomes a bonding activity for them during their long drives, and Dolores is deeply moved by the beautiful letters she receives.
The Jade Stone
The jade stone symbolizes luck, morality, and Tony's character development. Initially, he steals it, reflecting his opportunistic nature. His decision to return it at Dr. Shirley's urging signifies his growing sense of integrity and respect for his new friend's values.
Early in the film, Tony picks up a fallen jade stone from the ground and pockets it. Dr. Shirley later confronts him about it, leading to a discussion about right and wrong. This moment highlights the initial moral contrast between the two men.
Philosophical Questions
Can individual friendship truly overcome systemic prejudice?
The film champions the idea that personal connection can bridge racial divides. The entire narrative arc is built on the friendship between Tony and Don as a microcosm of racial reconciliation. However, the film also shows instances where their bond is powerless against institutionalized racism, such as when Don is barred from dining at the very establishment where he is the headline performer. This raises the question of whether changing individual hearts is sufficient to combat a deeply entrenched societal system of prejudice.
What is the most effective way to confront injustice: dignity or direct action?
The film presents a contrast between Dr. Shirley's philosophy of maintaining dignity in the face of hatred and Tony's more confrontational, and often violent, approach. Dr. Shirley believes that rising above bigotry is the only way to achieve true victory, while Tony's instinct is to fight back physically. The film seems to endorse Dr. Shirley's view as the more enlightened path, yet there are moments where Tony's aggressive intervention is what saves them from immediate danger. This prompts a philosophical debate about the merits and limitations of different forms of resistance.
Core Meaning
The central message of "Green Book" is the transformative power of friendship and empathy in dismantling prejudice. Director Peter Farrelly aims to show that by stepping outside of one's own world and getting to know someone on a personal level, deeply ingrained biases can be broken down. The film posits that true understanding and respect are not achieved through grand gestures, but through the accumulation of small, shared experiences. It also highlights the importance of dignity in the face of injustice, as exemplified by Dr. Shirley's insistence on non-violence. Ultimately, "Green Book" suggests that while societal change is a monumental task, individual change is possible and is the first step towards a more just and compassionate world.