An Oppressive And Corrupted Society

Published Date: 02 Nov 2017

English

Malak Obeid

Year: 11.

Essay Question: Dystopian literature forces us to re-examine ourselves and the world we live in. How does McCarthy’s novel the "The Road" act as a warning for humanity?

Thesis statement: A dystopian society is an oppressive and corrupted society. It’s an imaginary society emerged from the fear of us humans becoming too materialistic and not focusing on love, family & emotions. Thus, leading to a world where humans can barely fend for themselves.

Dystopia is an imaginary world that portrays a corrupted and dangerous society which is derived from the fear of us humans becoming too materialistic and leading to a world where humans can barely fend for themselves. McCarthy’s novel the road warns us of this outcome forcing the reader to examine themselves. He has warned us through the usage of themes such as survival, disaster that impacts human behaviour and symbolism of the title. Whereas in V for vendetta camera shots and Mis en sene used to display the oppression of a corrupted political government.

McCarthy’s title of the novel "the road" depicts symbolism; it gives us a rough insight on what the book is about. The title represents the dangerous journey that the father and son have to endure due to the catastrophic events that lead to the wretched world of burnt out America. The title also indicates the book’s theme of impermanence. The characters in The Road never stay in one place for more than a week before getting back on the road. All the houses have been abandoned; home life has ultimately been eliminated. However, even though McCarthy’s novel symbolizes a dangerous journey it also shows the undying love between the father and son. The father tells his son to "carry the fire". The symbol of fire signifies the presence of god, hope and faith. It is the boys’ duty to lead humankind and to keep humanity intact without losing faith. Despite the father’s doubt towards God, he constantly reinforces ideas of just and faith so after the passing of his father the son has something to live for. The man does not want his son to lose faith like he has this is evident in the line "A single round left in the revolver. You will not face the truth. You will not." (Page 70).This supports the idea of the father wanting his son not to lose faith in God. Unlike his father, the son believes that everyone is naturally good and when he sees a helpless stranger he stresses his father to help them. The son is symbolism of hope for humanity. This is also shown in V for vendetta where V is hidden behind the guy Fawkes mask. The scenes of V speaking on tv replicate the ones of the chancellor confronting the nation. When V addresses the nation he speaks powerfully moving the nation with him as well. He must protect himself to save others. V needs the strength of the nation in order for his plans to go forward. Without the nations support V’s plans would evidently be put to no use and he would land himself in danger and the lives of others if he was to fail.

Survival is often necessary in a dystopia and forces us to re-examine the way in which we abuse resources in times of abundance. In "The Road" by McCarthy, survival is necessary in the face of famine and so he must ration his food and other resources. This is evident in the line "They ate their poor meal cold and lay down in their bedding with a lamp between them" (page 8). The use of symbolism where the lamp represents the sharing of, not only physical but also emotional resources. In this sense, the lamp becomes emblematic of their shared hope in preserving their life and by extension, humanity. Whilst, "the road" shows survival in a dystopia as inherently Darwinian, V for Vendetta shows survival as being product of choice and mental will. This is best depicted in the scene where Evey is imprisoned by V is forced to survive in unhygienic conditions and on minimal food. Evey survives off essentially; sheer mental strength and we appreciate survival in this modern dystopia which is advanced through the use of camera shots. The close-up shot shows Evey’s emotional strength that she has developed when V tortures her physically and psychologically. Valerie’s story was the emotional core of Evey’s imprisonment and she is inspired to stand her ground. Evey is set free when she realizes that her imprisonment was staged by V; by placing her in the same situation he and Valerie were in. This experience caused Evey to accept her identity as an anarchist. This scene, evoke a sense of claustrophobia or control which is what the government imposes upon its people in the film.

In The Road fear and suspense creates a sense of apprehension as the "the first of them were already coming into view. God, he whispered. He reached and took the boy, keeping his eye on the road. They came shuffling through the ash casting their hooded heads from side to side’’ McCarthy’s direct syntax builds a sense of uneasiness as the father and his son anxiously watch them coming into view. This forces the reader to be put in their position into the post- apocalyptic dystopia of the fight for survival. "The boy was frozen with fear…" this encourages the reader to be in the boy’s position through the occurrence of suspense. In contrast, V for vendetta uses fear and suspense to portray the corruption and oppression of a government- controlling dystopia; in order to keep everything and everyone intact and bid them to their will. This is best portrayed in the scene with the chancellor shown from a high angle shot to give his intimidating presence a sense of control and position. While, the council men are shown as inferior and insignificant. There insignificance is shown through mis en scene as the dark shadows beneath the chancellor show a sense of them being mediocre in contrast, to the chancellor whose power is important to the oppressed regime. The chancellor is portrayed similarly to Adolf Hitler, and his actions that reflect the holocaust.

McCarthy’s book the road acts as a warning for humanity by considering what would happen if the world lost its environment and the only living creatures would be humans, hunting for food among the dead wood and ash "Mostly he worried about their shoes. That and food. Always food". McCarthy makes no claim that this would occur, but simply speculates about the consequences. The novel depicts McCarthy’s view on the post-apocalyptic world, where human nature is revealed as life threatening. The author attempts to convince the reader that it is in humanity that mankind can find redemption from all of its problems and challenges There is little room to be altruistic to help people in need. The post - apocalyptic word reminds the present world where people are concerned with their own health and prosperity. The father and son are moving south-east with hope that they find the answer to all their problems. In a way, the author tries to show that people are constantly struggling for a better life. However, the author shows that there is at all times, hope for humans. Even after the most catastrophic disasters, people keep trusting and searching for new chances.

In conclusion, we could say that a dystopian society is a controlling and wretched environment which feeds off people’s fear and tension when they are to be put in this situation because humans focus on the materialistic side of life rather than expressing love and altruism towards others.