Thursday, May 2, 2013

"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: 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.
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. 

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