Essay Writing Intro:- Thesis Question Text 1 + Composer and text type Text 2 + composer and text type Sample: Survival is an abstract concept, explored in the Wachowski brothers' film The Matrix in a multi dimensional way that questions the values of the 20th century when projected into a future dystopic world where humanity has been the instrument of its own destruction. The film confronts concepts such as emotional, intellectual and spiritual survival and challenges notions of what it means to survive physically in a world where humanity has become nothing more than fuel for Artificial Intelligence. Similar concerns about the growing reliance upon technology in society are explored in Isaac Asimov's short story 'That thou art mindful of him', a chillingly prescient glimpse into a world where robots have decided that humanity is defective and does not necessarily deserve to survive. Both texts suggest that humanity will be eroded by technology and its own short-sighted view of scientific advancement. Physical survival the machines will kill you if you are outside the Matrix If you die in the Matrix, you die in real life The machines have agents inside the Matrix to kill recalcitrants Human beings are harvested for fuel and fed to nourish other growing beings like plants The war with AI destroyed the earth's environment - can it sustain life? Spiritual, emotional, intellectual survival These are predicated on the capacity to think and feel for oneself which has been eroded by the Matrix The film questions the definition of survival - is it merely to exist - not die- or is there more to it? Knowledge and truth are shown to be essential components of spiritual and intellectual survival Cypher sees survival as comfort and safety whereas Morpheus sees it as challenge and danger Body sample You can structure your essay text by text or idea by idea Physical survival The Matrix Related Text Spiritual Survival/Intellectual/Emotional The Matrix Related Text Concepts of survival The Matrix Related Text OR Physical Survival The Matrix Spiritual Survival/Intellectual/eEmotional The Matrix Concepts of Survival The Matrix Physical Survival Related Text Spiritual Survival/Intellectual/Emotional Related Text Concepts of Survival Related Text |
The Matrix is predicated on the notion that human beings will be the instruments of their own destruction and that the 20th century obsession with developing technology will be pivotal in the downfall of the world as we know it. The Matrix develops the concept that survival is more than just staying alive, or existing but requires autonomy, choice, spiritual and intellectual knowledge and free will. While human beings are technically 'alive' in the matrix, they have the capacity for none of these and have been as dehumanised as the machines had originally been when first developed and put to use for the 'benefit' of mankind. The Matrix draws on religious allusions to suggest that humans can survive the machines with the advent of a saviour. Just as Jesus saved the world from sin, so too does Neo save the world from the machines. Survival, however, comes with a price. For the saviour it is suffering and sacrifice and for the saved, it is the realisation that the world is a difficult and dangerous place to be negotiated. Survival outside the matrix, ironically becomes even more tenuous than survival within it. Physical survival is greatly endangered and, more importantly, the knowledge of the real world brings hardships that some are unable to face. when Cypher negotiates his way back into the matrix, it is because he believes that he can no longer survive with the world as it really is. The philosophical underpinnings of The Matrix present existential dilemmas such as what does survival really mean, what does survival entail and are perceptions of survival different for individuals? The film suggests the power of the mind as having the capacity to alter reality and that the mind is the ultimate instrument of survival. ****************************************************************************************** There are many other aspects of The Matrix that can be woven through your essays.
When citing cinematic techniques try to focus on how a scene is constructed For example the circling overshot of Neo as he sleeps while completely surrounded by technology and the close up of the green text on screen demanding 'wake up' and the subsequent zoom into his eye opening all work together to create an impression of a world that is immersed in and controlled by technology, foreshadowing the matrix and reinforced by the dialogue 'you just need to unplug man' which is what Neo literally does in the second quarter of the film. When using dialogue as a technique make sure that is has some resonance, for example is symbolic, an allusion, a metaphor etc and links to overarching concepts Costume works as a contrast - residual self image - the slick black leather represents power and control and dominance as opposed to the clothing worn outside the matrix. Agent Smith et al wear traditional suits, like businessmen, government agents such as FBI or CIA - there is a strong correlation to their role and the role of agencies seeking out spies in Cold War America. They are the upholders of law and order, but of course, that law and order is predicated on the illusion of the matrix and they are no more real than is Neo. |