Introduction
The exploration of utopia and dystopia has been a prominent theme in literature and film, highlighting the flaws and potential consequences of an ideal society. This essay will compare and contrast the final text of “Snowpiercer” by Bong Joon-ho, revised by Kelly Masterson, with three other texts: “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson, “Minority Report” by Philip K. Dick, and “Harrison Bergeron” by Kurt Vonnegut. Through an examination of these works, we will delve into the portrayal of utopia and dystopia, and how they comment on societal control, individual freedom, and the human condition.
Societal Control
In “Snowpiercer,” the train serves as a microcosm of society, divided into strict class hierarchies. Curtis, the protagonist, rebels against this system, reflecting the oppressive control exerted by the train’s elite. The text states, “They control our bodies… they control our minds” (Masterson, 2013). This quote highlights the extent to which the ruling class manipulates and regulates the lives of the lower classes aboard the train. It emphasizes the oppressive nature of the societal control exercised by those in power, who dictate every aspect of the lower class’s existence. The elites maintain their control by limiting the knowledge and agency of the lower classes, ensuring their perpetual subjugation.
Similarly, in “The Lottery,” the villagers conform to a traditional ritual without questioning its purpose or morality. The text asserts, “Lottery in June, corn be heavy soon” (Jackson, 1948). This quote reveals the villagers’ blind adherence to the lottery, which has become an ingrained part of their lives. They accept the ritual without questioning its origins or the reasons behind its continuation. The lottery serves as a mechanism of control, a means for the powerful to maintain their dominance over the community. The villagers’ unquestioning obedience to the lottery highlights the effectiveness of tradition in perpetuating societal control.
In contrast, “Minority Report” and “Harrison Bergeron” present futuristic worlds where control is achieved through advanced technology. In “Minority Report,” PreCrime predicts and prevents crimes before they happen. The text explains, “It’s a science… It’s foolproof” (Dick, 1956). The PreCrime system represents a form of control that relies on surveillance and preemption to maintain societal order. The eradication of crime is achieved by monitoring individuals and intervening based on the predictions of the three precognitive beings. This all-encompassing surveillance state underscores the extreme measures taken to control and eliminate any potential threats to societal stability.
Similarly, in “Harrison Bergeron,” a government enforces equality through handicapping individuals with exceptional abilities. Vonnegut writes, “Nobody was smarter than anybody else” (Vonnegut, 1961). This quote illustrates the extreme measures taken to maintain absolute equality, resulting in the suppression of individual talents and capabilities. The government’s control over individual abilities ensures a leveled playing field where no one can surpass others. This level of control highlights the extent to which societal control can be exercised to eradicate any form of inequality or deviation.
These quotations collectively underscore the various methods employed by the texts to portray societal control in their respective utopian or dystopian settings. From oppressive class systems to traditions, advanced surveillance technology, and enforced equality, these texts demonstrate the multifaceted nature of control and its consequences on individual autonomy and freedom.
Individual Freedom
The texts also delve into the suppression of individual freedom within their respective societies, shedding light on the consequences of living under strict control. In “Snowpiercer,” Curtis represents the oppressed lower class, fighting for individual liberty. He states, “We control nothing… You will suffer” (Masterson, 2013). This quote highlights the lack of agency faced by those in the lower classes of the train. It emphasizes their powerlessness and the harsh consequences they endure if they dare to challenge the established order. Curtis’s rebellion serves as a testament to the innate human desire for personal freedom and the lengths individuals are willing to go to reclaim it.
In “The Lottery,” Tessie’s outcry, “It isn’t fair, it isn’t right” (Jackson, 1948), serves as a futile protest against the communal sacrifice she is forced into. This quote encapsulates the moment when Tessie, initially a willing participant in the lottery, realizes the injustice and lack of personal agency involved. Her desperate plea for fairness reflects the innate human desire for individual autonomy and the rejection of oppressive systems that dictate one’s fate.
Similarly, in “Minority Report,” the PreCrime system compromises personal freedom. The text suggests, “The individual’s own desires ceased to matter” (Dick, 1956). This quotation underscores the sacrifices made in the name of societal stability and crime prevention. The complete subjugation of personal desires and free will reflects the oppressive nature of the PreCrime system, wherein individual autonomy is sacrificed for the greater good. The text raises ethical questions about the value placed on individual freedom in the pursuit of societal control.
In “Harrison Bergeron,” the protagonist’s rebellion against his handicaps exemplifies the yearning for individuality and personal freedom. Vonnegut writes, “He began to think glimmeringly about his abnormal son” (Vonnegut, 1961). This quote captures the moment when Harrison’s father recognizes the beauty and potential of his son’s exceptional abilities, despite the society’s attempts to suppress them. It emphasizes the inherent human desire for self-expression and individuality, even in the face of oppressive circumstances.
These quotes collectively emphasize the common theme of limited individual freedom in these texts. They depict the yearning for personal agency, the recognition of injustice, and the rebellion against oppressive systems. The texts serve as cautionary tales, warning against the consequences of sacrificing individual freedom for the sake of societal control. They highlight the importance of preserving individual autonomy as a fundamental aspect of human existence.
Commentary on the Human Condition
The portrayal of utopia and dystopia in these texts reflects on the human condition and its inherent flaws, shedding light on the complexities of human nature and the consequences of societal structures. In “Snowpiercer,” the text reveals, “This is humanity’s last remaining resource: hope” (Masterson, 2013). Despite the dire circumstances faced by the characters, the indomitable human spirit persists, emphasizing resilience and determination in the face of adversity. The portrayal of hope in such a bleak environment speaks to the universal human capacity to find solace and purpose even in the harshest of conditions.
Similarly, in “The Lottery,” the villagers’ willingness to partake in a violent ritual highlights the potential for conformity and mob mentality within human nature. Jackson writes, “They grinned at one another humorlessly and nervously” (Jackson, 1948). This quote conveys the unsettling nature of their collective behavior, suggesting that individuals can be easily swayed by tradition and social pressure, often at the expense of critical thinking and individual autonomy.
In “Minority Report,” the flaws of the PreCrime system are exposed through the existence of “minority reports,” which question the system’s infallibility. The text states, “Every little deviation on the chart… is a chance to destroy the whole” (Dick, 1956). This quotation alludes to the fallibility of absolute control and the inherent imperfections of human judgment. It serves as a reminder that the pursuit of a utopian society based on the complete eradication of crime comes at the cost of sacrificing individual freedoms and disregarding the complexities of human behavior.
“Harrison Bergeron” satirically portrays the dangers of extreme equality, suggesting that enforced uniformity suppresses human potential. Vonnegut states, “If you try to run, we’ll shoot you” (Vonnegut, 1961). This quote reveals the extreme measures taken to maintain the illusion of equality, demonstrating the consequences of suppressing individuality and unique talents in the pursuit of an egalitarian society. It highlights the human longing for personal expression and the recognition that true equality encompasses not only the absence of restrictions but also the freedom to embrace individual strengths and differences.
These texts collectively explore the complexities of the human condition within utopian and dystopian settings. They challenge our assumptions about human behavior, exposing the potential for both resilience and conformity, and the delicate balance between order and personal freedom. Through their commentaries, these texts caution against the dangers of unchecked power and the suppression of individuality, urging us to examine the intricate nuances of the human condition within the context of utopia and dystopia.
Conclusion
Through an analysis of “Snowpiercer,” “The Lottery,” “Minority Report,” and “Harrison Bergeron,” we observe the common themes of societal control, limited individual freedom, and commentary on the human condition within utopian and dystopian narratives. These texts serve as cautionary tales, urging us to question the potential consequences of unchecked power and the suppression of individuality. By delving into these works, we gain a deeper understanding of the delicate balance between utopia and dystopia and the impacts on society and the individual.
References
Dick, Philip K. Minority Report. 1956.
Jackson, Shirley. The Lottery. 1948.
Masterson, Kelly (Revised by). Snowpiercer. 2013.
Vonnegut, Kurt. Harrison Bergeron. 1961.
