Full fathom five thy father lies;
Of his bones are coral made;
Those are pearls that were his eyes:
Nothing of him that doth fade
But doth suffer a sea-change
Into something rich and strange.
The Tempest. Act i. Sc. 2
Apologies...Longwinded? There's a hurricane a blowing!
One of the on going major themes of LOST is a biological/evolutionary
one. That is to say it revolves around the evolutionary development of
the macrocosm (mankind/life) to the microcosm (family/individual genetic
particulars). Both the scientific and philosophical debates surrounding
this theme are symbolised and elaborated upon in numerous ways through
out LOST.
Examples: The social evolution of the castaways since
they shored up on the island has transgressed from various 'levels' of
social development. The search for food evolving through various stages
from gathering (plane refuge, fruit/sea organisms), hunting (Locke's boar,
Jin's fish) and finally to agriculture (suns garden). The transition from
rock/stick technology to metal based civilisation (from sticks to guns).
The growth of spiritual and social leaders (Locke as Shaman/leader, Jack
as healer/leader, Kate as enforcer/mid wife, Sun as 'herbal mystic' etc)
myths/legends (the numbers, Polar bears, the 'Others', the Sickness),
Gods ('Rescue', the 'hatch', the 'black rock' 'The Island', ancestor worship,
Rock Gods) and rituals (funeral/burial, babies birth and presentation
to the castaways, the placement of Boones body in cave, golf, fire gathering
for 'beacon' and for communal reasons).
Every social structure has its origins in the environment and history
to which it is created (often with preconceived systems that are inherited
from previous societies and from an 'evolutionary' inheritance we derive
from the genetic memory of our forebears). So we are not blank slates
per say, but carry with us baggage from the previous civilisation/social
groupings that we derive and the various genetic strains we are descended
from.
This social genetic dichotomy exists within LOST, though it is the genetic
angle mostly with which this thread looks discusses.
One such symbolic reference to this social/family tree are quite literally
the trees in LOST, which for me are symbols of this genetic 'exploration'
from a single root to a multiplistic hydra of winding branches and vines.
Indeed, since the dawn of man we have found both sustenance and protection
in trees (reminds me of our evolutionary forebears hiding in the refuge
of the mother/womb- trees/caves- for protection) just as we find sustenance
and 'identity' by knowing the roots to which we have come and envision
the branches/seeds to which our future takes. . .. Safe
in trees....
This genetic history runs deep within our genetic psychosis
even disguising rituals we carry on into our modern worlds but hark back
to older more primordial rituals such as sacrifice and offering and survival
mechanisms of our forebears. Think how rituals like Easter/Christmas/Halloween
Harken back to ancient pagan rituals that are themselves descended from
even older social/survival practices that we now disguise through modern
irreverence and more recent/evolved religious/social notions and symbiosis.
Link. These ritualistic minutia of our lives hide deeper urges that are
more primordial in nature (like the desire to hunt, to breed, to flee
and to murder) and act as a means both to control our behaviour as much
as to box our worlds into controllable spaces of reason.
A genetic/social dichotomy is also exemplified on an individual level
and indeed is the main tract in which the Drama of LOST unfolds. Constantly
through the disposition and behaviour of the castaways do we see the idea
of how this genetic pre-disposition and cultural history of the castaways
interacts with the catalyst of the Plane crash and this new Island environment.
Indeed it is a microcosmic symbol of a grander macrocosmic endeavour,
man kinds evolutionary and social history, its present and possibly its
future. Yet it also deliberates on a much more personal level, in showing
us who these people actually are by exemplifying their traits, skills,
behavioural patterns, understandings and contrasting their history to
the current ongoing circumstance that is the island and their predicament.
In both these templates it represents the philosophy of genetic science
and spirituality.
On an individual level this genetic/social nature of the castaways is
constantly reflected to us in regards to their genetic/social traits that
range from their various talents and skills (Michael's skill in Art, Jack's
skill as a surgeon, Charlies skill in music, Sayid's mathematical ability,
Kate's tree climbing/gun use and Hurley's social skills etc), to their
behaviour patterns (the various reactions to the monster, to each other,
their response in the crash, to the food situation, to crises) and physical/mental
deficiencies and abilities (Jacks 'genius' as a surgeon coupled with his
father - and possibly his own - alcoholism, Locke's fanatical obsession
with the hatch and possibly his 'condition', Sawyers anti-social criminal
behaviour, Kate's dishonesty, Hurley's weight, Charlies drug addiction,
Shannon's anaemic/asthma). These are also reflected and contrasted with
their individual histories particularly in relation to their parentage
both as a social template for manifesting their 'ego' and in showing us
their genetic heritage.
In regards to what makes a person, this ultimately asks one fundamental
philosophical question 'Nature or nurture?'. Is a person
predominantly predisposed to follow the behavioural traits they inherited
from their genes or are they a product of the environment to which they
are brought up? The referencing of such philosophers as Reussuae, Locke
and the various plays on upbringing as seen with the castaways history
(Sawyers traumatic child hood, Locke's forsaken foster care, Jack's relationship
with his dad), only help to reinforce this idea of investigating the nature
of the human spirit within a social/genetic context.
Thus my point, these evolutionary social/genetic elements are constantly
recurring themes in lost offered to us as a veritable banquet of discussion.
Hence the deduction that the nature of the narrative mystery of LOST will
be found through a genetic and in that a social, investigation of how
these factors apply to LOST. - Though it has often been my belief that
the creators of LOST are operating on several different tangents in how
the phenomena and circumstance of LOST can be explained, I believe that
these 'master themes' are interlinked creating multiple varying tangents
in themselves and are all 'true' depending on what angle you approach
(though ultimately there is a final end point to which all these underlining
principles meet up).
So this post is about LOST as defined as a study in genetic and social
investigation and in that hopefully as an explanation for existing/pre-existing
influences and phenomena and how/why they enact upon the Island/Castaways.
It is meant to be a dual speculation to co-inside with what I wrote on
Elements on LOST. . ..
Food for thought basically.
It has relevance to a number of topics that I might suggest.
First of all the fundamental speculation on 'manipulation' within the
island, is that the mystery is predominantly that of experimentation gone
wrong, and in regards to this subject, genetic experimentation gone wrong.
The following threads currently deal with the idea of an experiment on
the island.
Philadelfia experiment.
p073.ezboard.com/flostthe...p;stop=100
Sunnyelou's experiment.
p073.ezboard.com/flostthe...mp;stop=20
Noahs ark.
p073.ezboard.com/flostthe...1026.topic
The social context of lost is also important as a genetic investigation
would eventually lead to social/environmental issues spurring from such
a concept and these threads currently discuss this.
???????
The behaviour of the castaways and in that their psychological nature
is also fundamentally important as the main catalyst for showing us this
genetic/social investigation.
Disconnect
Theory.
Matrix
meets Freud.
The
heroes aren't heroes (more of a social/philosophical context).
Finally modern sciences such as chaos theory, qautum physics and multiple
worlds currently play a large part in ideas about how genetics and sentient/living
structures actually form and work. Drabauner, Sawyerhasbestlines and Yung23
has some interesting thoughts on this. The idea of spirals, holistic agencies,
fractured light displacement/resonance and multi-dimensional evolution
and consciousness all have a connection to how a genetic angle plays out
on a grand scale incorporating several major modern sciences and interconnecting
themes on LOST. These can be discussed here.
Chaos
theory
5th
Dimentional creature.
Bermuda
triagle theory
.Feel free to add some more material.....
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally I was interested on how the castaways could be manipulated on a genetic level by way of the numbers representing some kind of genetic code or sequence that might be represented by the genetic potential of the Castaways themselves. I looked at the corresponding chromosomes of each number and what significant associations such chromosomes might have to the behaviour and apparent inherited circumstance of the castaways, but this proved to be to difficult. Some significance is shown below. . .
23 chromosomes currently form our genetic make up.
The 23rd chromosome carries the defining sequence for what sex we are,
and carries both the X and Y genetic strains.
The corresponding numbers for Chromosome 15 and Gene SPG4 (or possibly
the 4 main genes that represent abnormalities in the loci 15) are mentioned
when Locke meets his mother in the apartment store, chromosome15 is being
researched as being a primary causer of Spastic Paraplegia which is a
possible explanation of his condition and the prior 'schizophrenia' his
mother was reported to have.
. . ..buuut, since the share size of genetic sequencing information and
chromosome based disorders and abnormalities is near endless, categorising
them from this angle was fruitless. However a better way of finding a
genetic relationship between the castaway's would be by listing the qualities
of the castaways themselves and seeing what general or individual genetic
conditions arise from this. Soooo. . ...
Jack: (High intelligence), gifted hands (genius) as displayed
by piano and surgeon skills, obsession with saving people manic commitment
(obsessive/compulsive tendencies), possible alcoholism trait (but controlled?),
male (mid 30's). No known children (?).
Locke: (High intelligence), ordering information, and
knowledge (possible genius trait in the ability to invent, build and use
items), Obsession with hatch and may have pathological traits (delusional
rationality and grandeur), 'may' have a debilitating or pathological disease
that might have been passed on by one of his parents (mother has schizophrenia),
baldness, male (late 40's early 50's). Seems to suffer from a social disorder
of some kind at least prior Island (no known children/relationship except
with phone operative).
Michael: (High Intelligence mostly creative sense)
Artistic ability and skill in architecture/construction (possible genius
trait), obsession with proving himself (low self esteem?), parental instinct,
'may' suffer from ADD (Awareness Deficit Disorder), male (mid 30's). Of
African decent (and may have specific traits, such as certain resistance
native to African type). Was in a failed marriage and has estranged child
(Walt).
Walt: (Highly intelligent/socially naive due to youth)
Artistic, dishonest either by omission or direct falsehood (tells/exaggerates
stories), may have pyromaniac tendencies, fixation with parental figures
and guidance, maybe detached empathetically/emotionally (definitely due
to a social conditioning and possibly on a genetic level). Shares same
African/American descent and genetic linage as Michael. Male (9?).
Sayid: (highly intelligent, bilingual) Strong mathematical
ability and mechanical nature. Has shown an empathetic detachment (needed
to be a good military torturer), physically endowed possibly due to -
militaristic skill/training and possible 'ability' in such matters, has
the capacity for murder. No known children, known childhood relationship.
Shannon: (Intelligent mostly in a Manipulative sense/bilingual),
sexually 'charismatic', possibly anaemic traits, vague and dislocated
at times. No known children or current partners though previous sexual
relationships. Attraction for strong independent type males.
Boone: (Intelligent - educated), Obsession with step
sister (sexual obsession/denial), obsession with 'rescuing' (attention
seeker/histrionics?) seems to have a weak physicality or hardiness (maybe
due to spoiled upbringing and genetic deficiency) continually is unable
to defend himself nor successfully apply himself regardless of circumstance
and must therefore be rescued by higher agencies. No known children/partners
though possibly previous sexual relationships. Sexual relations with
step sister.
Hurley: (Intelligent, mostly in a social sense bilingual?),
social skills (possible genius trait), suffers from apparent obsession
with numbers (though mainly food), signs of obesity and seems to have
some kind of uncanny 'luck' trait. Strong family relations but no known
children/partners.
Sawyer: (Highly intelligent in a manipulative sense
also has undertaken literary interests on the island), sexually 'charismatic',
physically endowed, displays pathological criminal traits that might stem
from both a social 'and' a genetic history expressed primarily with fraud
(either by omission or direct falsehood) including theft and known capacity
for murder, impaired eyesight. Male, (mid 30's?). No known children, previous
partnerships probably sexual in nature.
Kate: (Highly intelligent - both in a manipulative sense
and with certain abilities/skills tracking/gun use - aim). Inability
to stay in one place (this maybe a phobia or a mental disorder of some
kind), compulsive dishonesty by direct omission and falsehood (once again
a social disorder but also may have a strong genetic base), obsession
with the toy plane (which may refer to a compulsive obsessive disorder),
charismatic/manipulative, may have a dependent attraction to certain male
qualities (similar but not the same to Shannon's), thrill seeker (maybe
due to hyperactivity). Female (mid 30's ?),
Charlie: (Highly intelligent predominantly in a creative
sense), musical ability (possible genius trait), attention seeker (this
maybe due to low self esteem or some personality disorder such as histrionics),
thrill seeker (maybe a genetic disposition such as hyperactivity), addiction
(once again both social and genetic factors apply dependency disorders
may relate to this), small/weak physicality (but also tough perhaps due
to rough upbringing/rock n roll environment), seeks approval (see dependency
disorder), mentally/physically unstable due to previous addiction to heroin
(which maybe the cause for the strong stigma of certain social/psychological
disorders).
The above observations are all speculative/vague and open to debate. I
have left these characters however open for analysis.
Clair:
Jin:
Sun:
Observations: To the point.
The castaways almost to a person show certain multiple dysfunctional qualities
that seem to be amplified by the islands nature predominantly and including
the functional qualities that arise from these disorders.
Though I think it would be somewhat restrictive to think that these dysfunctions
spur from a single genetic disorder (coupled with social factors of coarse),
one of the main contributer's to a number of these disorders may result
from their inability to empathise with other people in the pre-island
world. A possible catalyst for this and other associated disorders maybe
the disorder known as 'autism'. In living with a mild form of this condition
or a related condition (such as bipolar disease) would explain a lot in
terms of how they have become the people they are, and some of the strange
behaviourisms they have manifested. Sawyer, Shannon, Jack, Locke, Charlie,
Walt and Kate all show signs of latent autistic symptoms. I classified
Michael with ADD for personal reasons but because I think it is Walt that
shows more signs of Autistic behaviour and this would make sense on a
hereditary basis (think of the way he has shown only a minimal sign of
emotional stress/outburst through out the series excepting the Polar
bear episode which maybe perhaps a turning point for his evolving empathetic
attachment to his father).
Rather then defining these dysfunctions under one mantle however (though
personally I think pre-adulthood autistic qualities explain a lot), rather
in a mild sense these people have been effected by 'shadow' syndromes.
Slight genetic dysfunctions that have allowed them to flourish in certain
areas, even to the extent of showing levels of individual genius, but
neglecting and over accentuating other normal human traits, empathy of
a sort being one of them.
However many of them have overcome this 'empathetic' detachment or similar
behavioural quality/dysfunction prior to existing on the island. In a
sense they have started to evolve in order to understand their natures
and how it effects those around them (though not necessarily defining
it for what it is). By confronting social factors that may have caused
how certain shadow syndromes have come to be expressed in their lives
they have discovered empathy for the audience/victims of their dysfunction.
Wherein lies the tragic heroism of the LOST castaways as genetic misfits.
They may flourish upon this island due to their supposed flaws but ultimately
they may succomb to the same dysfunctional principles to which they flourish
by. The following article by Brian Othmer (PHD) details how shadow dysfunctions
can prove both a sustaining force as a means to genius in one generation
but a degenerative force in the next.
Also of worthy note is an essay dealing with the nature of wickedness
and evolution in a social/genetic world by George Feldman.
This may also come in handy.
Jays tao
I really like what youre saying. I also like that you prefaced your post
with the hurricane warning statement. I wish I had used that humorous
technique on my long initial post. I also like that you followed your
first long post with a second long post. Sounds as though you enjoyed
writing them.
What I like about the theory itself is that it definitely places the island
in more human and social terms. I think that this is the first place that
I have read (it may be elsewhere) where Sun's gardening makes sense. Gardening
means, in practical terms, a option for food, but from a psychological
point of view means that she believes that they all will be island-bound
for a good long while. Initially I thought it strange that she would create
a garden and the show's focus on the garden seemed so matter of fact.
If you are right about the progress of the inhabitants, then any relationship
with the "monster" will cause a primitive belief system to develop.
You might have mentioned that. I dont have your text handy. People will
begin to take sides (if they havent done so already) and will identify
themselves as believers or non-believers. That will lead to all sorts
of strife, battle and persecution. Hooray. If you look at things a certain
way, there may have already been a sacrifice.
Personalities, based on the previous roles in society, perhaps a buttressing
point to your genetics idea, will step in to occupy certain roles, for
good or for ill, because they almost have to. Outside of Danielle, no
one has chosen exile. They are all still interested in the social network.
And because of their compulsions to act socially, more deaths will ensue.
That's enough from me ...
boonian androphile