Netflix's deadly show Squid Game recently dropped its Season 2 and several questions again surround the fans about the game and the way it is conducted. Squid Game comes with its own world and unique production design that makes it look outworldly.
The show portrays 456 contestants desperate for wealth participating in the deadly game in which if they get "eliminated" they are spontaneously shot. It has built a world equally eerie and quaint to make it believable for the viewers.
All the guards shown in the game remain anonymous as they wear masks with different symbols on them. Moreover, the masks add to the eerie element of the show. The three different shapes on the masks for workers represent hierarchical levels while the VIP masks have animal imprints to represent power.
Keep reading to know what these masks mean in detail.
What do the different masks represent in Squid Game's hierarchy?
For workers or guards, there are 3 different types of masks with triangle, square, and circle symbols on them. The shape initially seems random but it refers to a certain hierarchy. We get to know this in the show when the police officer who is trying to break in, blends in with the workers wearing their dress code. He eventually changes his mask from a circle to a square, simply to get some more privileges.
The Circle mask refers to the lowest rank. They are responsible for basic but necessary tasks like cleaning, mopping, serving food, etc. The Triangle comes second in this hierarchy. They can order contestants, lead them from one location to another, or enforce rules and eliminate players. While the square masks are the highest in the worker's hierarchy. They report to the Front Man directly and can order and supervise the Circle and Triangle.
The Front Man's mask is completely different, black and angular with a covered black dress. A Front Man controls all the workers and contestants. This mask represents control.
The VIP masks are more fancy and expensive looking. Their masks are golden with an animal imprint on them such as lion, Tiger, bear, and bull. These masks represent power and wealth. The VIPs can request the Front Man to alter the game as per their wish while they enjoy watching it through a separate screen in a fancy room with snacks and alcohol.
Why do the guards wear masks in Squid Game?
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The first simple reason behind this is that they want to keep their identity a secret. The tournament is happening on an isolated, private island and later we get to know that it is run by a small group of elites for entertainment purposes. The illegal nature of the game compels the guards and staff members to keep their identities anonymous. Even the contestants never get to know who they are.
Secondly, it benefits the "Bad guy" image of the guards and makes the contestants fear them. The contestants don't know who they are which adds to the eeriness. The Front Man in the show rightly points out to a guard that if the "contestant gets to know who you are, you lose everything". It serves a psychology that distinguishes them from humans and makes them appear more powerful.
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