"Last Man"

—Millennialism 

—Often apocalypses take place after a new millennium occurs

—Belief that the world runs on a 1000 year cycle

—Major transformations for society in 1000 year intervals

—Considered a factor in many religions

—Christian millennialism is seen in the belief of the Second Coming

—Prophecies predict the “Revelation of John” to last 1000 years prior to the Second Coming

Environmental Apocalypse

—Environmental

—adjective

—1.relating to the natural world and the impact of human activity on its condition: acid rain may have caused major environmental damage

— aiming or designed to promote the protection of the natural world: environmental tourism

—Apocalypse

—2.an event involving destruction or damage on an awesome or catastrophic scale: a stock market apocalypsean era of ecological apocalypse

"Darkness"

—“I had a dream, that was not at all a dream”

—dream theory

—Many biblical references

—Adds to the apocalyptic setting

—Strengthens ethos

—Over reaction in panic due to loss of passion

—Momentary period of equality

—Byron’s fondness of animals and nature

—Humans have progressed too far

—“She was the universe”- Hindu god Kali (seen on blog)

—Mt. Tambora

—Iambic pentameter, but not rhymed

"The Last Man"

—Shows extinction of one man, versus the entire race

—More explicitly Christian viewed

—Shows hope in afterlife despite death

—More lyrical/ballad feelings, similar to “Rhyme of Ancient Mariner” when spoken out loud

—Interest contrast to “Darkness”-

—Focuses the sun’s death, still showing light

Connection

—Campbell discusses that the two poems are similar because he and Byron had a discussion about the topic of environmental ruin.

—This casual discussion was said to have influenced both writers dramatically

—Feels as though “Darkness” sets the scene while “Last Man” adds a human narrative

—Byron shows extinction of a race

—Campbell shows extinction of the last individual

Cycle:

—Step 1: Man has become far too advanced

—Step 2: Man creates some “new advancement”

—Step 3: The “new advancement” back fires

—Step 4: Apocalypse occurs

—Step 5: Human sacrifice of “Last Man” to recreate human world

Motif in Film

—9

—Tim Burton film showing an apocalyptic world where there is no human life. A scientist who saw the evil created 9 dolls to harbor the 9 aspects of his soul who ultimately bring life back.

—http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnoJecu9e7c

—WALL-E

—The environment is destroyed, no inhabitants on Earth, little robot running around looking for  sign of life. 

Motif in Literature

—Adam and No Eve

—Short Story by Alfred Bester about a man who creates a shuttle like invention and realizes from space that his launch created a catalyst that destroyed life on earth. The story ends with him committing suicide so the bacteria in his body can recreate evolution and eventually human life.