Unraveling the Symbolism of the Rat in The Departed

The conclusion of The Departed has become a subject of endless analysis and discussion amongst film enthusiasts. The final scene, featuring a rat scurrying across a building, evokes a myriad of thoughts and theories. This essay aims to dissect the symbolism behind this pivotal moment and explore its deeper meaning. While much of the film revolves around the concept of betrayal within a double agent scenario, the rat sequence represents a more profound and universal symbol of hidden truths and inevitable truths.

Double Agent Dynamics in The Departed

The Departed centers around the police force and a criminal organization (specifically, the Irish mob) vying to unmask the double agent within their ranks—Costigan (played by Matt Damon) and Sullivan (played by Jack Nicholson). Costigan, an undercover cop, and Sullivan, a mob informant, ultimately confront each other, leading to a series of intricate and emotionally charged exchanges. Costigan, in particular, stands out as the more suitable candidate for the role of the 'rat' due to his family's criminal history and his less ambitious worldview compared to Sullivan.

The Symbolic R?le of the Rat

The rat that appears in the final scene is more than a mere animal; it serves as a potent symbol of truth, corruption, and the inevitability of exposure. Just as rats often go unseen and undetected within the fabric of society, the 'rat' characters in the film remain concealed, their true intentions and loyalties cloaked until the very end. The rat moving across the building, specifically the state capitol, can be seen as a direct reference to Matt Damon's character, Costigan, who is associated with the police force. This scene underscores the omnipresence of corruption and deceit in systems that are supposed to uphold justice and order.

Analyze of the Final Scene's Symbolism

The choice to end the film with the rat crawling over the golden dome, which represents the state capitol, is particularly significant. The dome, a symbol of governmental authority and sovereignty, becomes a canvas for the visual representation of hidden truths. Through the rat, Tarantino highlights the idea that even in the most fortified structures of power, corruption and deceit can penetrate and disrupt the facade of order. This symbolism contributes to the broader theme of the film, which explores the blurring lines between good and evil, truth and deception.

Building on the Scene's Symbolism

Beyond the rat, the film employs other visual cues to underscore its themes. For instance, the frequent use of the letter 'X' on various surfaces whenever a character is in peril or about to die, acts as a visual motif for warning and impending doom. In the apartment scene, the image of the golden dome is partially blocked by obstacles, symbolizing the hidden truths that are obscured by external factors. This juxtaposition further reinforces the film's message that truth and reality are often veiled by various obstacles, making unmasking the double agent an arduous and complex task.

Conclusion

In summation, the rat in the final scene of The Departed is a powerful and multi-layered symbol that encapsulates the film's exploration of truth, deception, and the human condition. It stands as an allegorical representation of hidden truths and the inevitability of exposure, providing a fitting conclusion to a story that delves into the treacherous world of double agents and the vulnerabilities of both power and justice.

By examining the symbolism in this final scene, one gains a deeper appreciation for the layers of meaning that Tarantino weaves into the narrative. The rat serves as a stark reminder that even in the most seemingly secure environments, deception and corruption can persist. Through its visual representation, the rat symbolizes the fragility of truth and the resilience of hidden truths.