Literary Analysis of Lean on Me

Literary Analysis of Lean on Me explores 1989 movie Lean on Me, a strong drama directed by John G. Avildsen, in which the true story of the formidable principal who had to reform the troubled Eastside High School in Paterson, New Jersey is depicted.

Starring the legendary Morgan Freeman, the film examines issues of leadership, redemption of community, and resilience in the face of the urban decay and education desert. In Literary Analysis of Lean on Me, the viewers consider how narrative uses character development, conflict and symbolism to deliver hope and transformation message.

The keyword in the title: Literary Analysis of Lean on Me, demonstrates the major aspect of the study, which is to dissect the movie’s narration and its place in the culture as an uplifting account of willpower.

In Literary Analysis of Lean on Me, the film employs the challenging, dictatorial leadership style of Joe Clark with the expulsion of disruptive students, as well as a prodigal use of a baseball bat, to represent a desperate battle to save a failing school that was obscured by drugs and violence.

Freeman’s domineering performance is representative of Clark’s duality: an instructor who was very serious about his students’ future, as demonstrated in his cry for help: “If you don’t succeed in life, do not blame your parents”. I want you to blame me”.

The story juxtaposes Clark’s rough tactics to instances of compassion, such as his backing to a failing student, Sammy, encompassing tough love and being on the right path. Symbolism, like the closed doors of the school both for safety and the exclusion, exemplifies the struggle of order and freedom.

The climax of the film in which students stand up to prevent Clark’s dismissal helps corroborate community empowerment, however, the critics observe the simplified image of systemic problems in the film.

Interacting with Literary Analysis of Lean on Me shows how the movie combines gritty realism and inspirational tale and provides insights into education, leadership and society problems.