Class vs. St. Elmo's Fire

Attribute	Class	St. Elmo's Fire
Definition	A group of students at a university	An electrical weather phenomenon
Origin	Derived from Latin "classis" meaning division or group	Named after St. Erasmus of Formia, the patron saint of sailors
Symbolism	Represents social hierarchy and status	Symbolizes protection and guidance
Popularity	Popular concept in education and sociology	Lesser-known natural phenomenon

Plot

Class and St. Elmo's Fire are both coming-of-age films that focus on a group of young adults navigating the challenges of adulthood. In Class, the story follows a prep school student who becomes romantically involved with his roommate's mother. The film explores themes of forbidden love and social class differences. On the other hand, St. Elmo's Fire centers around a group of recent college graduates as they struggle with relationships, careers, and the transition to adulthood. The characters in St. Elmo's Fire face issues such as infidelity, substance abuse, and finding their place in the world.

Characters

The characters in Class and St. Elmo's Fire are complex and multi-dimensional, each facing their own personal struggles and growth throughout the films. In Class, the protagonist struggles with his feelings for his roommate's mother while also dealing with the pressures of his elite prep school. The mother, played by Jacqueline Bisset, is torn between her attraction to the young student and her responsibilities as a parent. In St. Elmo's Fire, the group of friends includes a struggling writer, a political aide, a party girl, and a musician, each grappling with their own insecurities and desires.

Themes

Both Class and St. Elmo's Fire explore themes of love, friendship, and the challenges of growing up. Class delves into the complexities of forbidden love and social class divisions, highlighting the struggles of maintaining relationships in the face of societal expectations. St. Elmo's Fire, on the other hand, focuses on the bonds of friendship and the difficulties of transitioning from the carefree days of college to the responsibilities of adulthood. The characters in both films must confront their own flaws and insecurities in order to find happiness and fulfillment.

Setting

The settings of Class and St. Elmo's Fire play a significant role in shaping the tone and atmosphere of the films. Class is set in the prestigious world of a New England prep school, with its ivy-covered buildings and wealthy students. The opulence of the school serves as a stark contrast to the forbidden romance at the center of the story. St. Elmo's Fire, on the other hand, takes place in the bustling city of Washington, D.C., where the characters navigate the challenges of post-college life against the backdrop of political intrigue and social change.

Soundtrack

The soundtracks of Class and St. Elmo's Fire are integral to the overall mood and emotional impact of the films. Class features a score by Lalo Schifrin that captures the tension and passion of the forbidden romance at the heart of the story. The music enhances the drama and intensity of the film, drawing viewers into the emotional journey of the characters. St. Elmo's Fire, on the other hand, is known for its iconic theme song by John Parr, which has become synonymous with the film and its themes of friendship and resilience.

Legacy

Class and St. Elmo's Fire have both left a lasting impact on popular culture and the coming-of-age film genre. Class is remembered for its provocative storyline and standout performances, particularly by Jacqueline Bisset and Rob Lowe. The film has become a cult classic, known for its exploration of taboo subjects and social class dynamics. St. Elmo's Fire, on the other hand, is celebrated for its portrayal of the struggles and triumphs of young adulthood, resonating with audiences who have experienced similar challenges in their own lives.