On the Basis of Sex Symbols, Allegory and Motifs

On the Basis of Sex Symbols, Allegory and Motifs

The Supreme Court steps

At the end of the film, the real-life Ruth Bader Ginsburg walks the steps of the Supreme Court building. This represents her later legal success after the events of the film and the fact that she became the second woman to serve on the Supreme Court.

Taking notes

The fact that Ruth attends her own lectures and her husband's lectures to take notes symbolizes her devotion to her husband, as she puts herself under a lot of stress to ensure they both graduate.

Top of the class

The fact Ruth graduated top in her class at Harvard Law School symbolizes her talent and intelligence. Despite the fact she was top of the class, she still struggled to find work after graduate school as law firms were reluctant to employ women.

Moritz vs. Commissioner

The case Moritz vs. Commissioner represents that sexism was upheld by law in the 20th Century. Moritz was unable to get a tax deduction for nursing care as he was a man, which Ginsburg saw as an opportunity to challenge the law.

Ruth's struggle

Ruth's struggle to find employment at a law firm symbolizes the sexism inherent in the legal system in the 1950s. This can be contrasted with the case of her husband, who found a job easily after graduating.

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