Pulp Fiction (1994) | The Definitive Explanation

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What is Pulp Fiction about?

At the heart of Pulp Fiction lies the unpredictable nature of life, captured through the lens of random events that drastically impact the characters. The movie demonstrates how minor incidents such as a bullet missing its mark or an unplanned meeting with a stranger can cause major shifts in your grand narrative. There’s a sense of real-world chaos mirrored in these scenes, emphasizing how life’s randomness can bring about surprising and profound changes. This theme isn’t sugarcoated or romanticized. Instead, it forces the audience to consider how much control we truly have over our destinies, driving home the point that in life, unpredictability is the only predictable thing.

Simultaneously, the film delves into the possibility of redemption and transformation. The characters are often presented with critical crossroads that could potentially break their patterns of violence and harm. This constant dance between destructive behaviors and the opportunity for change serves as an invitation for viewers to reflect on their own capacity for transformation. The film, however, leaves the question open-ended: Can people genuinely change their course, or are we trapped in a loop, destined to repeat the same mistakes time and again?

Through its engaging storytelling and these thought-provoking themes, Pulp Fiction encourages the audience to engage in deeper contemplation about life’s uncertainties and the human capacity for change. Its focus on chance and change resonates with viewers, making it a timeless piece that provokes introspection about the nature of life and personal transformation.

Movie Guide table of contents

Cast

• John Travolta – Vincent Vega
• Samuel L. Jackson – Jules Winnfield
• Uma Thurman – Mia Wallace
• Bruce Willis – Butch Coolidge
• Ving Rhames – Marsellus Wallace
• Harvey Keitel – Winston Wolfe
• Tim Roth – Ringo
• Amanda Plummer – Yolanda
• Eric Stoltz – Lance
• Rosanna Arquette – Jody
• Christopher Walken – Captain Koons
• Quentin Tarantino – Writer and director

The ending of Pulp Fiction explained

A recap of Pulp Fiction‘s ending

The final scene of Pulp Fiction completes the narrative circle, taking us back to the Hawthorne Grill diner where we were first introduced to the characters of Ringo (aka Pumpkin) and Yolanda (aka Honey Bunny). These two are in the midst of breakfast, discussing the merits of robbing restaurants instead of their usual targets. Convinced of the idea’s potential, they stand up and initiate the robbery, causing panic among the patrons.

Meanwhile, at a corner booth, Jules and Vincent are enjoying their breakfast, seemingly oblivious to the unfolding chaos. However, as Ringo starts collecting wallets from the customers, he approaches Jules’ table, unaware of who he’s dealing with. When Ringo demands Jules hand over his wallet and the briefcase, Jules calmly hands over his wallet but refuses to give up the briefcase.

An intrigued Ringo asks Jules what’s inside the briefcase. Jules responds vaguely, maintaining the mystery that has surrounded the briefcase throughout the movie. But Jules finally gives in and shows Ringo (but not us) whatever treasure lies within the briefcase.

While Ringo is distracted by the golden glow, Jules disarms Ringo, turning the tables on the would-be robbers. With his gun pointed at Ringo, Jules initiates a conversation, asking him to sit down. Yolanda becomes more frantic, but Jules manages to keep her calm, reassuring her that he just wants to talk.

Jules begins discussing his recent epiphany, explaining how he’s reconsidering his life of crime. He tells Ringo that he used to recite a Bible verse, Ezekiel 25:17, as a cool thing to say before killing someone. However, he’s now trying to understand the real meaning of those words.

Here’s his exact quote:

There’s a passage I got memorized. Ezekiel 25:17. “The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who, in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of the darkness, for he is truly his brother’s keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy My brothers. And you will know I am the Lord when I lay My vengeance upon you.” Now… I been sayin’ that shit for years. And if you ever heard it, that meant your ass. You’d be dead right now. I never gave much thought to what it meant. I just thought it was a cold-blooded thing to say to a motherfucker before I popped a cap in his ass. But I saw some shit this mornin’ made me think twice. See, now I’m thinking: maybe it means you’re the evil man. And I’m the righteous man. And Mr. 9mm here… he’s the shepherd protecting my righteous ass in the valley of darkness. Or it could mean you’re the righteous man and I’m the shepherd and it’s the world that’s evil and selfish. And I’d like that. But that shit ain’t the truth. The truth is you’re the weak. And I’m the tyranny of evil men. But I’m tryin’, Ringo. I’m tryin’ real hard to be the shepherd.

As Jules shares his newfound perspective, Ringo appears captivated and disarmed in more ways than one. Instead of resorting to violence, Jules chooses to let Ringo and Yolanda leave the diner with his cash, thus defusing a potentially deadly situation.

After Ringo and Yolanda leave, Jules and Vincent casually get up to leave the diner, discussing Jules’ decision to quit his job and “walk the earth.”

The meaning of Pulp Fiction‘s ending

In the climactic final scene of Pulp Fiction, several themes are brilliantly encapsulated, bringing depth and closure to the storyline. The diner sequence, which could be seen as a mere act of chance or divine intervention, allows for Jules’ transformation, the power of choice, and the concept of chance and divine intervention to come into play. Through Jules’ interaction with Ringo, we witness his profound character transformation from a ruthless hitman to a shepherd-like figure seeking redemption. Concurrently, we’re introduced to the significant theme of choice and how it can dramatically shape an individual’s life. Lastly, the scene invites viewers to ponder on the role of chance and possibly divine intervention in shaping our narratives, adding another layer of intrigue to the film’s conclusion. The following sections delve deeper into these aspects, unravelling the complexity of the film’s ending.

Section 1: Jules’ Transformation

As the final sequence of Pulp Fiction unfolds, a significant takeaway is the transformation of Jules’ character. In the midst of the chaotic hold-up, Jules becomes a shepherd, figuratively guiding Ringo towards a different path. This reflects his own personal transformation, which is a product of his deep introspection and the profound moment of grace he experienced earlier.

Jules could have easily responded to the threat with violence—a course of action that he wouldn’t have hesitated to take in the past. However, he opts for a path of non-violence, demonstrating the depth of his transformation. He utilizes his knowledge and wisdom, using it as a tool for negotiation rather than intimidation. It’s a significant departure from the ruthless hitman we’re introduced to at the start of the movie.

The dialogue between Jules and Ringo is crucial to understanding Jules’ transformation. His explanation of the Ezekiel 25:17 verse signifies a turning point. The verse, once a tool of intimidation, becomes a reflection of his existential crisis and his quest for redemption. He shares this newfound interpretation with Ringo, offering him a chance to reconsider his life choices, much like he has.

Jules’ transformation in Pulp Fiction serves as a stark contrast to his partner Vincent, which drives home the significance of their respective decisions. Vincent, unlike Jules, remains rooted in his life as a hitman, choosing to ignore the moments of grace that could potentially lead to his own redemption. This refusal to evolve eventually leads to his demise.

A parallel can be drawn between Jules’ transformation and the journey of Butch, another pivotal character. Just as Jules seeks redemption, Butch also seeks a path out of his destructive lifestyle. Butch’s decision to save Marsellus, the man who wants him dead, mirrors Jules’ decision to spare Ringo. Both these actions are crucial turning points, indicating their desire to break free from a life of violence and seek redemption.

These contrasting outcomes for the characters underline one of the movie’s central themes: the capacity for change and redemption, even within a seemingly inescapable cycle of violence and crime.

Section 2: The Power of Choice

The diner scene in Pulp Fiction also highlights the significant theme of choice and how it shapes an individual’s life. Ringo and Yolanda choose to rob the diner, Jules chooses to engage with them non-violently, and in the end, Ringo chooses to take Jules’ offer, escaping with the cash rather than escalating the situation.

Jules’ conversation with Ringo showcases how an individual can always make a different choice, regardless of their circumstances. Jules invites Ringo to consider the path he’s on and whether he wants to continue on it. This message is powerfully encapsulated when Jules states, “The truth is, you’re the weak, and I am the tyranny of evil men. But I’m trying. I’m trying real hard to be the shepherd.” This line emphasizes the power of conscious choice in seeking transformation and redemption.

Moreover, the choices made in this scene underscore the unpredictability of life, a recurring theme throughout the movie. Characters’ lives twist and turn based on the choices they make, often leading to unexpected outcomes. The diner scene is a testament to the fact that even in the face of the most dire situations, the choice to change one’s course can still exist.

Pulp Fiction expertly utilizes non-linear storytelling and constant flashbacks to further emphasize the unpredictability of life, effectively mirroring how the characters’ choices influence the course of their lives. This narrative technique enhances the film’s theme of choice and unpredictability, subtly reminding viewers that decisions can often have unexpected consequences.

The film’s non-linear structure underlines the chaotic and unpredictable nature of life, mirroring how disjointed and unpredictable our experiences can often be. Just as life doesn’t always follow a linear trajectory, the film’s story doesn’t unfold in a straightforward manner. Decisions made in one moment can echo into the future (or past, in terms of film sequence), often in unexpected ways, which the non-linear structure portrays effectively.

Section 3: The Role of Chance and Divine Intervention

Throughout the movie, Pulp Fiction plays with the concept of chance and divine intervention. The ending scene brilliantly encapsulates these themes. While it may seem coincidental that Jules and Vincent happen to be at the diner at the exact time of the robbery, this coincidence creates an opportunity for the themes of redemption and transformation to come to the forefront.

This moment can be seen as an instance of divine intervention, the universe aligning events to allow Jules to actively demonstrate his transformation. Similarly, the choice Jules presents to Ringo can also be interpreted as a chance for Ringo to change his path, should he view it as a moment of divine intervention in his own life.

The ending’s brilliance lies in its ambiguity, allowing for multiple interpretations. It doesn’t provide clear answers but invites the viewers to question and explore. The scene can be interpreted as a mere coincidence, an act of divine intervention, or a mix of both. It encourages the viewer to reflect on the role of chance, choice, and possibly a higher power in the trajectory of our lives, and how these elements intertwine to create our individual narratives.

The contents of the briefcase, which remain hidden from the viewers throughout the film, play a significant role in Pulp Fiction‘s exploration of chance and divine intervention. The allure of the briefcase and the undisclosed reward it promises add an element of intrigue, but its true significance is arguably more symbolic than tangible.

The briefcase can be seen as a symbol of desire or ambition, driving the actions of many characters in the film. Yet, despite its significant influence, the fact that its contents are never revealed might suggest that the true value lies in the journey and choices made along the way, rather than the end goal. This resonates with the film’s emphasis on the power of choice and personal transformation.

Moreover, the mysterious glow emanating from the briefcase when opened has often been interpreted as a sign of divine presence, adding to the theme of divine intervention. The choice to keep the contents a mystery invites viewers to reflect on their interpretation of the divine or fate, emphasizing the movie’s exploration of chance, choice, and possibly a higher power.

The themes and meaning of Pulp Fiction

Nihilism and Existential Uncertainty

A striking theme of Pulp Fiction is its exploration of nihilism and existential uncertainty. This idea repeatedly manifests itself in the film, particularly through the interactions and experiences of the characters. Nihilism, as a philosophical concept, involves the rejection of established laws, moral codes, and beliefs in any objective meaning or purpose in life.

This theme is palpable in scenes where characters encounter unexpected, life-altering events that defy conventional moral structures. For instance, consider the scene where Jules and Vincent are nearly killed by a man hiding in the bathroom. Their survival is purely by chance, or “divine intervention” as Jules believes, as the bullets miraculously miss them. This scene depicts the inherent unpredictability and randomness of life, emphasizing a sense of existential uncertainty. It challenges our comfort in believing that life is structured and orderly, and that good or bad events happen because of our actions.

Furthermore, characters like Jules and Vincent often display a certain moral ambiguity, engaging in violent acts and seemingly unbothered by their consequences. Their professions as hitmen, their casual conversations before performing a hit, and their calm demeanors in violent situations suggest a disconnection from conventional moral norms. This disconnection contributes to the overall atmosphere of nihilism—a sense that in this world, traditional values are irrelevant.

Also consider Butch. He is a prizefighter, paid to lose a fight. But at the last second, he decides to defy this order and win. In this decision, he rejects the preordained course set for him. Butch decides to throw away the established rules, finding no inherent value or meaning in the imposed structure. The result is a sense of existential uncertainty, with Butch suddenly on the run, his future ambiguous and fraught with danger.

Yet, despite this unpredictability, Butch takes control of his own narrative He refuses to accept an existence dictated by others and forges his own path, no matter the chaos that it might create. He is choosing to write his own story, to affirm his personal freedom and responsibility amid an indifferent universe.

Redemption and Transformation

While nihilism paints a bleak picture of the world in Pulp Fiction, the film also proposes the possibility of redemption and transformation. This theme is prominently portrayed through the character arc of Jules Winnfield. After surviving the shootout without getting shot, Jules interprets this as a divine sign, a second chance to correct his course.

His speech about Ezekiel 25:17, initially used as an intimidation tactic before a hit, evolves to carry real weight for him. His reinterpretation of this passage reflects his desire to change from the “tyranny of evil men” to a “shepherd” guiding the weak. This transformative journey suggests that even amid the chaotic and seemingly meaningless world, individuals can find a purpose and strive for redemption.

In contrast, Vincent, who shrugs off the miracle as chance, represents the opposite path. His refusal to recognize this event as a wake-up call ultimately leads to his death in Butch’s apartment after leaving his gun on the counter. Through these contrasting character arcs, the film highlights the power of personal choices in determining one’s path toward redemption or destruction.

The theme of redemption and transformation becomes most evident in Butch’s character when he chooses to save Marsellus Wallace, the man who wants him dead, from Maynard, Zed, and the gimp. In this situation in the pawn shop, Butch could easily escape and leave Marsellus to his fate. Instead, he chooses to go back and rescue him, displaying an unexpected moral compass and capacity for compassion.

This act of bravery and kindness is a transformative moment for Butch. He rises above his former identity as a self-serving prizefighter and becomes a hero, even if it is to save his enemy. Through this act of redemption, Butch not only secures his freedom but also achieves a moral victory, suggesting that change and growth are possible, even in the most improbable circumstances.

The Illusion of Control

Another significant theme in Pulp Fiction is the illusion of control. Throughout the movie, the characters believe they can control their lives, but time and again, they are thrown into chaos by unforeseen circumstances. This theme is powerfully conveyed through the interplay of chance events that disrupt the characters’ sense of control.

Consider the story arc involving Butch, an aging boxer who throws a match against his opponent. His entire plan is based on the belief that he can control his destiny: throw the fight, collect the money, and escape away with his girlfriend. However, his decision to defy Marsellus and win the fight sets off a series of chaotic events that nearly cost him his life.

The infamous pawnshop scene, where Butch and Marsellus become prisoners, is an extreme case of losing control. Yet, it’s Butch’s decision to go back and save Marsellus with the samurai sword that restores his sense of control and sets him free, both literally and metaphorically. This sequence highlights the theme that while we may strive for control, life’s inherent unpredictability can render it an illusion. Yet, it’s our choices amid this chaos that truly define us.

The theme of the illusion of control manifests itself significantly in Vincent Vega’s character. Despite his profession as a hitman, Vincent believes he has control over his life. This is reflected in his casual demeanor, even in dangerous situations, and his confidence in handling messy circumstances. For instance, after Mia has an overdose from heroin bought from his drug dealer, his quick-on-his-feet reaction saves her life. However, these situations are more about managing chaos than exerting real control.

The most poignant illustration of this theme is when Vincent brushes off the “miraculous” event of the bullets missing him and Jules as mere chance. He insists on maintaining control of his narrative by rejecting the idea that a higher power or fate may be at play. Vincent’s refusal to acknowledge this sign of “divine intervention or consider a transformative journey, like Jules, further underscores his belief in his control over his destiny.

However, this illusion shatters when Butch kills him, an event he could not foresee or prevent. This unexpected turn of events shows that despite his beliefs, Vincent is not in control. His life, like those of the other characters, is subject to the whims of chance and circumstance, underlining the film’s thematic assertion that control is often an illusion in the face of life’s unpredictability.

Why is the movie called Pulp Fiction?

The title Pulp Fiction carries a depth of meaning that reflects the nature of the film. To understand it, we need to look at both words separately.

“Pulp” is a term that refers to a type of fiction literature that was popular during the mid-20th century. These were cheap, quickly produced stories that were printed on low-quality paper made from wood pulp, hence the name. These pulp magazines were filled with tales of adventure, crime, romance and science fiction. They were dramatic, lurid, and often had a moral ambiguity about them—not too unlike the stories we see in the film.

“Fiction,” on the other hand, is a term that most of us are familiar with. It refers to stories that have been created from the imagination, rather than based on fact. However, in the context of this film, “fiction” might also remind us of the idea that everyone’s reality can be a bit subjective. We all experience life through our own lens and tell ourselves stories to make sense of the world. In a way, our lives are made up of our own personal fictions.

Putting these two together, the title Pulp Fiction suggests a story that’s a little bit cheap, a little bit dramatic, and might not take itself too seriously. Just like pulp magazines, the film offers viewers tales of crime and adventure, with plenty of dramatic moments and moral ambiguity. But also like the pulp magazines, it doesn’t pretend to be high art—it’s entertainment, but with a twist.

However, there’s more to the title than just this. In the film, various characters each experience their own versions of reality. They’re all caught up in their own stories, their own personal “fictions.” These fictions are shaped by chance, by choices, and by the random twists and turns of life. Each character’s story could be seen as their own personal pulp fiction: cheap, dramatic, and a bit hard to believe, but also incredibly important to the one living it.

In this way, the title Pulp Fiction is a reflection of the film itself. It’s a nod to the cheap, dramatic nature of the stories it tells, but it’s also a reminder that we all live in our own versions of reality, our own personal fictions. This dual meaning gives the title a depth that mirrors the complexity of the film. It reminds us that while the film may be entertaining and dramatic, it’s also asking us to think about the stories we tell ourselves about our own lives. And just like the film, these stories might be a bit cheap, a bit dramatic, but they’re also incredibly meaningful to us.

Important motifs in Pulp Fiction

Ezekiel 25:17

Jules’ recitation of Ezekiel 25:17 is not merely a theatrical prelude to violence but a powerful motif that encapsulates his moral evolution. Initially, the verse is an instrument of intimidation, adding a chilling resonance to Jules’ ruthless character. However, after Jules’ perceived divine intervention, he revisits this verse, altering its significance completely. It now becomes a self-reflective proclamation, reflecting his moral quandary and his aspirations to break free from his past. The repetition of this verse underscores his transformation from a hitman to a man seeking redemption, symbolizing the possibility of change and redemption even within the darkest paths.

The Mysterious Briefcase

The briefcase in Pulp Fiction serves as a captivating symbol of human desire and ambition. The contents are never revealed, yet it ignites intrigue and fascination among the characters. Its unknown contents act as a blank canvas, allowing each character (and the audience) to project their desires and ambitions onto it. The mysterious glow from the briefcase can be interpreted as divine, contributing to the film’s exploration of fate, chance, and divine intervention. This motif subtly emphasizes the idea that the true value lies not in the ultimate goal but in the journey and the choices made along the way.

The Diner

The diner in Pulp Fiction acts as a backdrop for normalcy amidst a narrative rife with violence and crime. It presents a contrast between the ordinary and extraordinary, the calm and chaos. But more than a physical setting, the diner is where major character transformations occur. It is here that Jules decides to quit his life of crime, an event that would be a turning point in the narrative. The hold-up situation at the diner, initially a crisis, becomes an opportunity for Jules to exhibit his transformed self, emphasizing the theme of personal change and redemption.

Non-Linear Narration

The motif of non-linear narration is a testament to the unpredictability and complexity of life. This narrative structure allows the film to weave together various storylines, each influenced by the characters’ choices, and shows how these choices lead to unexpected outcomes. By presenting the events out of chronological order, the film emphasizes the theme of unpredictability. It demonstrates that each choice, regardless of when it’s made, can have far-reaching effects, sometimes in unexpected ways. This motif underscores the film’s examination of chance, choice, and their profound impact on our lives.

The Gold Watch

The gold watch (which belonged to Butch’s father and was delivered to him by a USAF veteran of the Vietnam War) in Pulp Fiction is not just a timekeeping device—it’s a symbol of legacy, honor, and the weight of the past. Butch’s dogged determination to retrieve the watch underscores his regard for his family legacy and his sense of personal honor. This seemingly materialistic pursuit, however, ironically becomes a path to Butch’s redemption. When he saves Marsellus, the man who wants him dead, he inadvertently breaks free from his violent past, underscoring the unpredictability of life. The watch motif, therefore, extends beyond its material significance, encapsulating the themes of honor, legacy, and the paradoxical unpredictability of life.

Questions & answers about Pulp Fiction

What was in the briefcase?

The contents of the briefcase in Pulp Fiction are never revealed, turning it into a tantalizing mystery. This narrative decision to keep the contents ambiguous serves multiple purposes within the film’s thematic structure.

The briefcase and its unknown contents become a powerful symbol, embodying several themes prevalent throughout the movie. For instance, it can be seen as a metaphor for the unknown and unpredictable nature of life, a theme that’s reiterated in the film’s non-linear narrative structure and its characters’ unpredictable experiences.

The characters’ reactions to the contents—awe, greed, fascination—offer a commentary on human desire and ambition. Everyone who looks into the briefcase seems captivated, highlighting the irresistible allure of the unknown. This ties into the film’s exploration of desire, as many characters in the movie are driven by their individual wants and ambitions, which often lead them into dangerous situations.

The glowing briefcase can symbolize power and influence, with characters going to great lengths to possess it, reflecting the often destructive pursuit of power. This aligns with the film’s exploration of violence and control, with characters navigating power dynamics in their volatile criminal world.

The briefcase, thus, is a crucial thematic device in Pulp Fiction. Its mystery stimulates speculation, allows various interpretations, and subtly resonates with the movie’s thematic explorations. The absence of a clear answer regarding its contents is not an oversight but a deliberate narrative choice that amplifies the film’s thematic depth. It serves as a mirror for viewers, reflecting their own ideas, interpretations, and experiences back at them, truly embodying the essence of “pulp fiction.”

Now it’s your turn

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