The Iconic Role of the Umbrella in Mary Poppins (1964)
The umbrella in Mary Poppins (1964) is more than just a practical accessory. It serves as a symbol of magic, whimsy, and charm, becoming an enduring part of the film's legacy and transcending its utilitarian purpose. As both a literal and metaphorical object, the umbrella is central to understanding the character of Mary Poppins, her unique magical abilities, and the thematic underpinnings of the film. This dissertation explores the significance of the umbrella in Mary Poppins, its role in conveying magic and wonder, and its broader cultural impact as a symbol in cinematic history.
Introduction
Mary Poppins, directed by Robert Stevenson and produced by Walt Disney, is a musical fantasy film that follows the adventures of a magical nanny, Mary Poppins, as she transforms the lives of the Banks family in early 20th-century London. The film is renowned for its blend of live-action and animation, captivating songs, and memorable performances. At the heart of the film’s charm is the character of Mary Poppins herself, portrayed by Julie Andrews. Among the various iconic elements of the film, Mary Poppins’ umbrella stands out as a particularly meaningful symbol, representing both the practical and fantastical aspects of her persona.
The umbrella, like Mary Poppins, is imbued with dual functions: it is both an everyday object and a magical instrument. This dissertation aims to explore how the umbrella operates within the narrative of Mary Poppins, its role as a mode of transportation, and its broader cultural significance as a symbol of escapism, wonder, and childhood innocence.
The Umbrella as a Mode of Transportation
In Mary Poppins, the umbrella is first and foremost a practical tool, used by the titular character for its primary function: shelter from the rain. However, its significance in the film extends far beyond its conventional use. The umbrella is famously shown to be a magical object, capable of flying through the air when Mary Poppins opens it and commands it to take her on a journey.
This act of flying with the umbrella highlights the imaginative potential of the object. The umbrella becomes a fantastical vehicle, allowing Mary Poppins to travel through time and space, leading her charges, Jane and Michael Banks, on a series of adventures. The scene in which Mary Poppins descends from the sky, holding the umbrella and floating gently to the ground, introduces the viewer to the whimsical, almost otherworldly nature of her character. The umbrella's ability to serve as a mode of flight marks a clear departure from the mundane, reinforcing the film's theme of breaking free from the ordinary and embracing the magic of the impossible.
This flying sequence also ties into the film’s broader theme of escapism. The umbrella allows the characters—and, by extension, the audience—to escape the constraints of reality and experience a world where the laws of physics and logic are suspended. The umbrella is, in essence, a conduit for imagination, offering a gateway to the fantastical.
The Umbrella as a Symbol of Magic and Whimsy
In addition to its physical function, the umbrella is an important symbol of Mary Poppins’ magical abilities. Throughout the film, Mary Poppins exhibits an array of extraordinary powers: she pulls objects out of her bag, speaks with animals, and performs impossible feats with ease. The umbrella stands as a tangible representation of her magical nature. It is always present when she performs her most wondrous feats, from flying through the air to managing the impossible task of organizing the nursery.
The association between Mary Poppins and her umbrella also reflects the theme of whimsy. Her personality—charming, unflappable, and filled with playful wit—is mirrored by the umbrella, which seems to defy conventional logic in the same way that Mary Poppins defies expectations. The whimsical nature of the umbrella also contrasts with the more grounded, practical concerns of the Banks family, whose lives are steeped in routine and order. In this way, the umbrella becomes a symbol of joy and freedom, offering a respite from the rigidity of adulthood and responsibility.
Cultural Impact and Legacy of the Umbrella
The cultural impact of Mary Poppins cannot be overstated. The film’s legacy has been cemented by its widespread popularity, its influence on both the cinematic landscape and popular culture, and its enduring charm across generations. The image of Mary Poppins holding her umbrella as she floats through the sky has become an iconic visual in cinematic history, often evoked in various forms of media.
The umbrella has since become synonymous with the character of Mary Poppins and with the broader themes of the film. It is frequently used in marketing, advertising, and references within popular culture to evoke the same sense of whimsy, magic, and nostalgia. The image of the umbrella, combined with Mary Poppins’ cheery disposition, communicates an invitation to embrace the wonder of childhood and the limitless possibilities of imagination.
Additionally, the umbrella has become an enduring symbol of the film’s broader themes—such as the importance of balancing responsibility with joy, the need for both order and imagination, and the power of kindness and compassion. The umbrella is not only a tool for transport or magic; it also serves as a conduit for these life lessons, helping to remind viewers of the power of imagination and the importance of nurturing creativity in both children and adults.
Conclusion
The umbrella in Mary Poppins is much more than a simple object. It serves as a tool for both transportation and magic, and functions as a symbol of the film’s deeper themes of whimsy, imagination, and the transformative power of kindness. The umbrella has become an iconic object that transcends its practical use, representing the boundless possibilities of the magical world that Mary Poppins brings to life.
Through the clever use of the umbrella as both a literal and metaphorical device, Mary Poppins communicates a powerful message: that life, like an umbrella, can offer both protection and a gateway to new adventures. The enduring legacy of the umbrella in Mary Poppins continues to resonate with audiences, ensuring that the film remains a beloved classic that celebrates the magic of childhood, the beauty of imagination, and the charm of an unforgettable character.
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References
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Stevenson, R. (Director). (1964). Mary Poppins. Walt Disney Productions.
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Andrews, J., & Van Dyke, D. (Actors). (1964). Mary Poppins [Film]. Walt Disney Productions.
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Mary Poppins (1964). IMDb. Retrieved from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058331/
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Mary Poppins and the Magic of Childhood. (2014). The Disney Legacy. Disney Press.
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Written by: Chel Dillon