I'm sorry to blog about a TV show. I can't help it. And for those of you who mocked my grief over the leukemia-stricken kitten, this is going to be SO MUCH WORSE. Just a warning.
Okay. Obviously this show is all about the archetypes. I love the characters but, especially with the man in black and Jacob, the characters represent more than just themselves.
Naturally, coming from the religious background I have, I see this as a biblical allegory. [Really, what don't I see as a biblical allegory?]
When I started taking lit classes where we'd be asked to explain what we thought various parts of the work represented, I felt like I was bullshitting. How could I answer, "What does this represent?" without speaking to the author? What if the author just meant it as a simple story? What if there was no overarching moral? But I faked my way through with success that surprised and puzzled me, until a teacher explained that, whether or not the author has intended them, there are themes that insinuate themselves into art and literature and whisper to us. Or shout, as the case may be.
In this season of clinging to what is left of the faith I was taught as a child, I see something I relate to in the characters of Jack and Locke, in particular. In Jacob and the man in black, I can see God and Satan, or New Testament God and Old Testament God. I think the ambiguity is fitting. And every character is playing out a story of redemption.
So last night I wept as I watched the show. I was glad Jason wasn't home to watch me in my goofiness. I cried myself to sleep over it. It wasn't sad, really, so I have to assume I'm reacting to something deeper that the characters represent, rather than the actual show or characters themselves.
Mommy Break
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When it comes to children and pets, I can be extremely patient, and I
confess to being rather proud of this trait. A lot of people tire of my
daughter M’s ...
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Never seen it.
ReplyDeleteAhhhh, Lost. So many archetypes & literary references. My friend from college love talking on the phone about all of it. :p I love the lit class talk - same friend and I were English majors together and coined a term for having to expound on the classics. We called it Ebull. We had to Ebull a LOT. (Stood for elaborate bullshitting). The basis for most of our papers. lol. Oh yeah, EBull. I thought life was stressful then! HA!~
ReplyDeleteCrap, I wish I have seen more than one season of Lost. I liked it, it just sort of fell off my radar, and now I am saving it as a weekend long marathon on DVD, during which time I will pile cheetos on the floor and let the children fend for themselves for a 48 hour time period. Also, I feel strangely connected to this show, as it is filmed 5 minutes from my parents house in Hawaii...and yet, I have only seen one season. What is my problem???
ReplyDeleteI've never gotten into Lost. I think because I tend to be a tiny bit obsessive (X-files, anyone?) about shows I like and that one seems to make sane people obsessive.
ReplyDeleteI tried Lost the first season, but I could see that it was going to be one of those shows where they tease you with little bits of details but never really reveal anything or resolve anything (at least not without introducing 6 new crazy plotlines in the process) and I had been through enough of that with the Pretender so I passed.
ReplyDeleteI feel a little left out, but if it makes you feel any better, I see religious symbolism everywhere too.
Eeek! I've been watching Lost from the beginning, but never really got into it as much as I thought I would. I enjoy the mysteries and themes, but it definitely didn't take me down an obsessive path. Now, The X-Files -- that's a whole different story! I'm with Jess. The X Files really was a much more sophisticated and captivating show. I still can't get over it almost ten years later.
ReplyDeletelove love love this show and know exactly what you are talking about.
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