This theme is of an interesting nature as it is actually a musical thought in two halves. In rough form, the complete "Ark Theme" consists of a leitmotif that flows straight into a full theme, or climax. The leitmotif of the first half is by far the more recognizable as the cue for the Ark. It's character is more of a continuous motive, repeating the same three notes over and over again and usually crescendoing with each. This is used for cues of the Ark's presence, mention, and power. The second half of the greater theme has more of a theme quality in itself, bearing more of a melodic line than its prelude. However, it varies from Williams's usual self-supporting themes in that it is never heard alone. In fact, it is only cued twice in the entire film, each instance preceded by its motivic prelude. By observation, it would seem that Williams chose this divided form for the theme to denote the two shades of the Ark. As will be discussed below, the two cues for the climactic second half of the theme are at places where man is viewing the Ark as "fortune and glory". In contrast, the mysterious leitmotif that precedes it seems to denote a sense of awkward, unexplained power, and, in some cases, a warning to the characters not to procede.
The first cue of this theme comes at the introduction of the artifact into the story. This scene is at the university as the government men inquire of Dr. Jones and Marcus about the history behind the Ark. Indy unlocks a large book and inside is a picture of the Hebrews carrying the Ark in the days of the Old Testament. As soon as the audience is shown this picture, the theme is cued. It is a fantastically mysterious cue because right away you know that there is something unnatural or inhuman about it.
There are two scenes in the film in which Marion's theme is immediately redirected into the Ark's theme. As I stated on the page for Marion's Theme, I believe this is Williams trying to highlight how the romance with Marion is second-fiddle to the pursuit of the Ark in Indy's eyes. The first time this happens is in Indy's bedroom before the expedition as he talks to Marcus about what to expect. The theme is introduced at the moment he begins to infer about the chances of seeing Marion there. Marcus talks with him vaguely for a while about the couple's history, but Indy starts thinking about the Ark again and her music fades. The same happens in the tent as the two are reunited. The romantic theme plays as he tries to free her, but it again flows into the Ark's theme as he realizes that freeing her endangers the mission. In the end, the Ark wins his favor and he leaves Marion there.
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