There ’s nothing ill can dwell in such a temple:
If the ill spirit have so fair a house,
Good things will strive to dwell with ’t.
The Tempest. Act i. Sc. 2
I wish I had paid more attention to episode names before coming to this website, because I think the Tabula Rasa could be a significant clue.
Tabula rasa is a theory developed by John Locke (no, not that John Locke,
I mean the John Locke of the Enlightenment period, circa 1600s) that defied
previous beliefs that humans are born with a certain set of beliefs and
a way of thinking. Locke believed that it is a person's environment that
shapes the way one thinks and what one believes.
Now, I can see how tabula rasa fits in with the episode that shares its
name, since that was the episode that Jack said something along the lines
of, "We can all start over here," to Kate. But I think there
is deeper meaning behind the referneces to Locke.
Now, the character Locke, his first name is John, yes? Correct me if I'm
wrong, but I'm pretty sure that's what Kate called him. So we have the
character named John Locke who is mysterious and could be considered controversial,
much like the historical John Locke. Character Locke seems to have a better
understanding of the island and how to survive out there, much like Historical
Locke had a more modern grasp on the way the human mind works. His books
were hugely popular and very influential during the Enlightenment period.
Perhaps Character Locke will become a bigger influence on the island,
rather than just a background enigma?
What does all this have to do with Lost? I'm not sure yet, but I think
there could be something big in the referneces to John Locke. It was Locke
who first develped the idea of man having three natural rights -life,
liberty, and property. (Sound familiar? Yes, he influenced the American
Constitution.) So maybe it's just symbolism, that everyone on the island
has the right to be alive. Or perhaps it's a clue.
One thought that popped into my head is that the survivors will form some
sort of society after awhile, with their own laws. It's a bit far-fetched,
but they'll have to figure out some way to live harmoniously together
-perhaps they should just tether Sawyer to a tree.
Any thoughts on the connection to John Locke, the Enlightenment period,
and his beliefs, or did my babbling just confuse all of you to bits and
pieces?
heymestacy
Welcome.
Go to the Character's Forum, and you'll see several threads on this topic,
under Terri O'Quinn/Locke.
This has also been touched upon in some archived threads on the General
Discussion Forum - I belived there are at least two threads, Famous Names
and Definitions of "tabula rasa" and "lost."
There are also a couple of older topics there with "Tabula Rasa"
in the title.
You can also find some interesting discussion about Locke on MasterXander's
"Episode 4 Discussion" thread and on pinnerman's "Immediate
questions after Walkabout thread in the General Discussion Forum.
It's good reading, enjoy!
azteclady