Dear Hack, What is a McGuffin? Curious in the O.C
Submitted by marse on Sat, 08/15/2009 - 11:51am
Dear Curious,
Of course, I could be obvious and say something about McDonald's but instead I'll just recommend you look up Alfred Hitchcock (no, not "Hancock", you dim bulb) and learn something by working for it instead of always asking me.
You might discover that Hitchcock coined the phrase "McGuffin" (MacGuffin) to describe what drives the plot - what everyone wants. For instance, in "The Maltese Falcon," the statue is the McGuffin and propels the plot forward.
But do the research yourself. I'm already tired of answering questions here.
Hack
McGuffin
What is interesting is that the McGuffin creates a unity of action for all characters in a story. Every one wants to obtain the McGuffin, but it need not be obtained. It can be eternal life, what ever directs the attention and actions of every single character in that direction.
Maltese Falcon obviously is not an interesting object, but the passion and pursuit of it made every one behave in such a way that motivated them in to action. It is like the mechanical rabbit being chased at the dog tracks. The dogs will never get the rabbit, but it makes them run the race.
Most important, it is less important as an object as it is a plot-device.
Hope this helps.