Pomp and Circumstance

Pomp and Circumstance swells through the Georgetown building as President Bartlet and the Chancellor descend the stairs to the commencement ceremony. The march's stately rhythm sets a formal procession tone, cuing the announcer and signaling the aide's prompt. It overlays the President's quiet anxiety about Zoey's departure with public ritual.

3 appearances

Purpose

Ceremonial march accompanying dignitaries' descent to graduation platform

Significance

Contrasts official pomp with Bartlet's personal fears, heightening emotional stakes before the public address

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

3 moments

S4E22 · Commencement

Welty vs. Gandhi — A Father's Anxiety Before the Podium

Pomp and Circumstance swells as the procession descends and exits, providing the ceremonial soundtrack that cloaks Bartlet's private anxieties in public ritual and cadence.

Before: Beginning to play as the procession is cued.

After: Continues as Bartlet and the Chancellor move out front and the crowd applauds.

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S4E22 · Commencement

Pocketed Anxiety — Final Edits and the Walk to Commencement

The march 'Pomp and Circumstance' plays as the ceremonial soundtrack, marking the procession's rhythm and heightening the contrast between solemn public ritual and Bartlet's private tension.

Before: Cueing in the building, ready to accompany the procession.

After: Continues to play as the procession proceeds and the scene cuts away.

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S4E22 · Commencement

A Father's Smile — Zoey's Quiet Photograph

The processional music 'Pomp and Circumstance' swells as Bartlet and the chancellor descend; it functions as an audible cue for transition and public ceremony, heightening formal atmosphere while juxtaposing private anxiety.

Before: Quiet or absent while final edits are made at the top of the staircase.

After: Plays through the descent and out into the ceremony space, accompanying the procession.

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