"Everybody has a soul. Joe Gardner is about to find his."
Soul - Symbolism & Philosophy
Symbols & Motifs
The 'Zone'
The 'Zone' represents a state of heightened focus and flow, where individuals are so engrossed in an activity they love that they enter a transcendent state. It symbolizes the power of passion and creativity to elevate the human experience. However, it also has a darker side, as getting too lost in the 'Zone' can lead to becoming a 'lost soul,' disconnected from life.
Musicians, artists, and others are shown entering the 'Zone' when they are deeply engaged in their craft. Moonwind and his mystics navigate this realm to help rescue 'lost souls' who have become consumed by their obsessions.
The Maple Seed (Helicopter Leaf)
The maple seed that 22 treasures symbolizes the beauty and wonder that can be found in the simplest, most ordinary aspects of life. It represents the 'spark' of living that is not tied to a grand purpose but to the simple joy of observation and experience.
While in Joe's body, 22 catches a falling maple seed and is fascinated by it. This memory becomes a powerful reminder for Joe of the joy 22 found in the mundane and helps him understand the true meaning of a 'spark'.
Joe's Father's Suit
The suit symbolizes Joe's aspirations and his connection to his father, who was also a musician. It represents his lifelong dream of becoming a professional jazz artist. When his mother lovingly repairs it for his big gig, it also symbolizes her support for his passion, despite her practical concerns.
Joe plans to wear his father's suit for his performance with Dorothea Williams. The act of his mother tailoring it for him is a pivotal moment of connection and understanding between them.
Pizza
The simple slice of New York pizza represents the sensory pleasures of being alive. For 22, it is a revelation, a tangible and delicious experience that contrasts with her abstract existence in The Great Before. It symbolizes the joy that can be derived from everyday experiences.
One of 22's first and most memorable experiences in Joe's body is eating a slice of pizza. This moment is a key part of her discovery of the joys of life on Earth.
Philosophical Questions
What is the true meaning of a 'spark' for life?
The film initially presents the 'spark' as a specific passion or purpose that a soul must find before being born. Joe, and many of the mentors in the Great Before, believe this. However, the narrative deconstructs this idea, ultimately revealing that the 'spark' is not a purpose but the simple desire to live. 22 finds her spark not in jazz or any single activity, but in the experience of sensory details on Earth. The film asks viewers to consider whether life's meaning comes from a grand, singular objective or from the cumulative joy of small, everyday experiences.
Is a life dedicated to a single passion a fulfilled life?
Joe Gardner's life is entirely dedicated to jazz. He believes achieving his dream of playing with Dorothea Williams will be the ultimate fulfillment. When he finally achieves it, the feeling is anticlimactic. The film explores the idea that while passion is essential, a single-minded obsession can lead to a narrow view of life, causing one to miss out on other sources of joy and connection. The 'lost souls' are a literal representation of this danger. This prompts the question of whether a balanced life, open to various experiences, is more fulfilling than a life devoted to one pursuit.
Where does our personality come from?
Through the whimsical bureaucracy of the Great Before, "Soul" visualizes the abstract concept of personality formation. New souls are assigned personality traits in pavilions and are shaped by mentors. This fantastical exploration touches upon the classic philosophical debate of nature versus nurture. Are we born with a pre-determined set of characteristics, or are we a blank slate shaped by our experiences? The film playfully suggests it's a combination of both, with a pre-life shaping that is then tested and solidified by the act of living.
Core Meaning
The central message of "Soul" is that the meaning of life is not found in a single-minded pursuit of a grand purpose or passion, but in the appreciation of the small, everyday moments. The film challenges the notion that a person's worth is defined by their achievements or a specific calling. Instead, it suggests that the 'spark' of life is simply the joy of living itself—savoring a slice of pizza, feeling the wind, or connecting with others. The director, Pete Docter, wanted to explore the idea that there isn't one right way to live and that fulfillment comes from being present and engaged with the world in all its ordinary beauty.