Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
It is the Giant's own answer to his own fear. Hogarth had taught him that he is not what he was built for, and after the water-gun scare he says it aloud like a vow, in a few plain words. The film then tests that vow at once, which is why the line still lands so hard; it is quoted whenever someone refuses a role that others have assigned them.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for The Iron GiantShow the scene
After Hogarth playfully points a water gun at him, the Giant's defences fire by reflex, and he flees the scrapyard in shame, horrified that he can be a weapon. In Rockwell he rescues two boys falling from a building, and for a moment the townspeople cheer him. Hogarth and Dean McCoppin catch up, and the Giant, smiling at the crowd, tells Hogarth he is not a gun. Seconds later the agent Kent Mansley's soldiers open fire on him.
Sources (2)
- Wikipedia: The Iron GiantPlot summaryReference checked
- Wikiquote: The Iron GiantRockwell street scene transcriptReference checked
Context reviewed
