Slumdog Millionaire - Symbolism

• Slumdog Millionaire’s setting is exotic. Did you find that made the film hard to identify with? Or did its exotic location enhance the experience?
• Jamal does not know that India´s motto is “The truth alone triumphs”. Why doesn´t he know the answer? What does this motto mean to Jamal? What does it mean to the other characters in the film, such as Salim, or Prem Kumar? The title of the film Slumdog Millionaire combines two opposites. Why do you think Danny Boyle choose this title? What does being rich mean for you?
• What was the symbolism of the scene at the public bathroom where Jamal jumps in the sewage? What does this tell us about his character? Is he likely to give up easily?
• Recurring symbols: There are quite a number of scenes in Slumdog Millionaire showing trains. The train station, too, is of great importance as it is the place where Latika and Jamal try to meet. What do you think the train and the train station symbolize? Do they mean different things in different circumstances? When Latika and Jamal finally meet at the station they do not take a train into their future as you would expect but remain at the station while the trains are leaving. Why do you think this is?
• Can you think of other objects, places, or colours in SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE that might have symbolic meaning?