The Role of Nursery Rhymes in Nightmare on Elm Street: Analysis and Cultural Impact

Nursery rhymes in A Nightmare on Elm Street serve as more than catchy, repetitive phrases. They interweave deeply with the film's eerie atmosphere, character development, and broader themes of fear, protection, and the loss of innocence. This article will delve into the symbolic and cultural significance behind these nursery rhymes, focusing on the line that includes the crucifix.

Symbolic Meaning

The nursery rhyme in A Nightmare on Elm Street features a line that includes crucifixes. A crucifix is a symbol of protection against evil, commonly linked to vampires and demonic entities. While Freddy Krueger is not a traditional vampire, the use of a crucifix ties into broader themes of good versus evil. This symbolism highlights the idea that the children in the film, who are primarily the victims, are trying to protect themselves from a malevolent force.

Cultural References

The nursery rhyme also draws on familiar folklore and superstitions, creating a sense of dread and fear in the audience. By invoking the imagery of a crucifix, the rhyme taps into cultural fears and the belief that certain objects, such as religious symbols, can ward off evil. This cultural connection adds a layer of fear and unease, enhancing the film's atmosphere. The rhyme's invocation of religious imagery serves as a cultural reference that would resonate with an 80s audience, as anything involving crosses was notably scarier than other symbols.

Childhood Fear

The nursery rhyme format in the film is a nod to how children often process fear through simple, repetitive phrases. The characters, especially the children, are grappling with their fears and the idea that they might have some control over them—despite Freddy's supernatural powers making that control illusory. By incorporating a nursery rhyme, the film draws the audience into a zone of youthful innocence and fear, creating a connection between the viewer and the children's struggle.

Supernatural Protection and Religion

Frankly, even if a crucifix may not specifically repel Freddy, its inclusion in the rhyme enhances the film's themes of fear, protection, and the loss of childhood innocence. As one character in the film quips: 'If you are going to die, which is a probability when Freddy is coming for you, it is probably better to die holding a symbol of God. At least that way you will have a good chance of going to Heaven.' This statement underscores the psychological impact of the crucifix as a source of comfort and protection in the face of supernatural terror.

Some viewers suggest that the inclusion of crucifixes is based on the superstition that religious imagery can repel evil. Since Freddy's power is clearly supernatural, the use of such symbols is a logical choice, given that few murderers have such abilities. The film's assumption that Freddy might be a demon from hell, for which religious imagery is the only defense, adds depth to his character and the film's narrative.

Historical and Cultural Context

The 1980s, when the film was released, saw a resurgence in the popularity of religious and folkloric elements in popular culture. The idea of religious symbols repelling evil was cleaved to traditional beliefs and fears. Additionally, the rhyme's use of 'crucifix' conveniently rhymes with 'six,' a nod to Freddy's signature count. This blending of superstition and supernatural elements creates a chilling effect, further deepening the film's impact.

Conclusion

The nursery rhyme in A Nightmare on Elm Street is more than just a catchy phrase. It serves as a powerful tool to enhance the film's themes of fear, protection, and the loss of innocence. The use of the crucifix symbol, while not a literal defense against Freddy, enriches the narrative and taps into cultural fears and superstitions. This analysis demonstrates the clever incorporation of literary and cultural elements into the film, creating a rich and textured atmosphere that continues to captivate audiences decades after its release.