What was in the suitcase in pulp fiction?

Answer 1

I have heard several speculative explanations myself, as to what is actually in the briefcase, but the Marsailles Wallace 'soul' theory seems to stand out in my mind, as being the most interesting and poignant.

I mean, look at all the pieces involved in this speculation...

You might have recalled the band-aid on the back of Marsailles Wallace's neck??? Some biblical references reportedly suggest that when the devil takes/claims your soul, he removes it from the back of your head (what the...? Never heard'a that before, in Sunday school!!!)....

Now, if you recall, the combination of the briefcase is '666', and when anyone opens up the case, a brilliant, overwhelming light cascaded from it.

Is it possible that held inside the case was Wallace's soul, and perhaps he was trying to bargain for it's return??? The three kids in that first apartment, who were holding the case (including ol' 'Flock 'o' Seagulls', there...) might represent the devil's couriers; when one of the kids flew out of the bathroom, and fire that "hand cannon...bigger than him" at Jules and Vincent, all of the bullets 'missed' them. "God came down and stopped these M/F bullets", because they couldhave been there to save Wallace's soul, hence Jule's 'devine intervention' realization and cognigtation.

...an interesting speculation, to say the least, but as I said before, most poignant, would you say???

Answer 2

Remember the first time you were introduced to Marsellus Wallace. The first shot of him was of the back of his head, complete with band-aid. Then, remember the combination of the lock on the briefcase was 666. Then, remember that whenever anyone opened the briefcase, it glowed, and they were in amazement at how beautiful it was; they were speechless. Now, bring in some Bible knowledge, and remember that when the devil takes your soul, he takes it from the back of your head.

[Note: Nowhere in the Bible is it stated that "when the devil takes your soul, he takes it from the back of your head."]

However Tarantino has admitted that there is no official explanation behind the briefcase's contents, and that it was simply written into the screen play as an intriguing McGuffin.

Answer 3

I like the idea of there being a soul.

http://www.snopes.com/movies/films/pulp.htm (note the comment about the bible passage people like to quote as if they know the bible)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulp_Fiction_(film)

Just google it. keywords: briefcase pulp fiction
The briefcase was also used in Reservoir Dogs and in From Dusk Till Dawn.

Answer 4

Marcellus Wallace's Soul.

Answer 5

Everyone's utlimate desire...as the other postee has said..it was a 'mcguffin'...nothing too deep as many people have made out.