Published October 1, 2024
BY TULLAH MCCOLL
Since its release in 1966, “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” has served as a classic Halloween movie. Although a cartoon intended for children, the message behind Linus’ obsession with the Great Pumpkin serves as a symbol for innocence, hope and staying true to oneself.
The Great Pumpkin is a figure similar to Santa Claus, someone Linus has great faith in coming every year on Halloween night. As Linus writes his annual letter to the Great Pumpkin, explaining why his pumpkin patch is worthy of coming to, other characters doubt Linus’ beliefs.
Linus says, “There are three things I have learned to never discuss with people: religion, politics and the Great Pumpkin.”
By comparing it to the things we too have learned to not discuss, Linus implies that the Great Pumpkin is a concept based on belief, and that by believing in the Great Pumpkin, one is likely to receive a visit and gifts from him.
The Great Pumpkin (courtesy of APPLE)
At one point, Charlie Brown says, “We’re obviously separated by denominational differences.” Although an odd line in a children’s movie, it has direct correlation to religion, another area in which opinions can differ from person to person and faith is required. Although Charlie Brown sees Linus’ interpretation of the Great Pumpkin in a negative way, Linus continues to believe in the Great Pumpkin and teaches others to do the same. By staying true to himself and spending the night in the pumpkin patch, he avoids a situation like that of Charlie Brown, who spends the whole night trick-or-treating and only gets rocks in return.
At the end of the movie, Charlie Brown tells Linus that everyone makes stupid decisions like staying in the pumpkin patch all night, ignoring the fact that his own sister Sally stayed in the pumpkin patch with Linus all night out of pure infatuation.
Linus replies in frustration, “What do you mean ‘stupid’? Just wait till next year, Charlie Brown. You’ll see! Next year at this same time… he’ll rise out of that pumpkin patch and he’ll fly through the air with his bag of toys.”
Despite all the negativity from other characters, including his own sister Lucy, Linus stays true to himself and what he believes in. Although viewers see the disappointing outcome of Linus’ actions and may start to agree with Charlie Brown’s statement about stupidity, the overall message in individual belief is positive.
