In the Heat of the Night Analysis

     In the Heat of the Night explores themes of racial tension, as well as societal change during the 1960s. The audience can see this change through the evolving relationship between Detective Virgil Tibbs and Police Chief Bill Gillespie. In the Heat is set in a very racially divided town of Sparta, Mississippi. Throughout the movie, we see these two relationships start with hostility and prejudice. As time moves on, their relationships transforms into a mutual respect for each other, which some could say is a mirror into the societal shifts of the Civil Rights era.

    In the beginning, we see that Gillespie's attitude towards Tibbs reflects negative racial biases of the South during this time. Virgil Tibbs, a detective from Philadelphia, is met with bitterness and antagonism when a police officer, Sam Woods, wrangles accuses and arrests Tibbs. Gillespie embodies the rooted racism of the surrounding community as he assumes that Tibbs is a ruthless murderer and criminal rather than someone with a professional standing. Only when Tibbs reveals his profession is Gillespie's negative assumptions of Tibbs' challenged.

    As the investigation continues, Gillespie's perception of Tibbs begin to change from a racial stereotype to someone who is a proficient, determined detective. Their progressive relationship reflects the changes made through scout during the late 20th century.

    Tibbs symbolizes the push for equality and justice, while Gillespie represents the side of society that has acknowledged this newly integrated reality; Although there is still a major setting of violence, some communities are trying to slowly adjust to this new world. This film illustrates that while change is difficult, it is possible to achieve a mutual respect for someone, no matter their race or background.