Presentation is loading. Please wait.

Presentation is loading. Please wait.

A Marxist reading of Jurassic Park

Similar presentations


Presentation on theme: "A Marxist reading of Jurassic Park"— Presentation transcript:

1 A Marxist reading of Jurassic Park
Marxist literary criticism is based on the works of Karl Marx.

2 The Marxist Theory Marxism condemns society based on capitalism
Capitalism is the economic system in which individuals pay wages to other people to work in their businesses The individual in control, does little work and receives most of the profits.

3 Marx believed People who labor do so for inadequate wages
Creating economic inequality He envisioned an economic society in which profits shared and poverty eliminated

4 Jurassic Park This concern with the power of scientists motivated by greed instead of the nobility of their profession suggests a Marxist reading if the novel. J.P. presents an ideal situation for a Marxist reading because it depicts a small but complete capitalistic society on Isla Nublar

5 Isla Nublar Everything is based on economic motivation
No considerations for ethical or environmental issues

6 Hammond The island’s owner/governor admits that his “ intent was to use the newly emerging technology of genetic engineering to make money. A lot of money” (200)

7 Gennaro He loses sight of his assignment – to determine the island’s safety – when he sees the first dino. He only thinks of how much money they will make.

8 Technology goes to money
Rose- “ Technology goes where there is a financial reservoir to support it” Isla Nublar is where capitalism dominates Silicon Valley

9 Abuse of wealth leads to abuse of people
Biosyn Nedry A field driven by venture capital Money-mad scientists Hammond’s customers will pay $5000 a day Dehumanizes the consumer masses

10 Dehumanization Abuse of workers
Workers do not enjoy the products they make They get only wages Grant and Sattler take timeaway from the labor they love to follow the whim of Hammond

11 Dinosaurs Represent the lowest, most exploited form of laborers
They receive no enjoyment from what they “ produce” They refuse to submit to power

12 Malcolm Broken from traditional ways
Does not hesitate to say what he thinks Compliments Sattler Dresses one color Insults the scientists and tells them they can’t control nature He remains connected to what he produces and shares it with all other humans, hoping for the improvement of the species.

13 The Collapse The exploited class seizes power.
The problem lies in the concept of inherited wealth rather than earned wealth Scientific power is like inherited wealth: attained without discipline

14 Nedry Loses humanity and life in pursuit of money
His behavior destroys his ability to interact with people Tapes conversations for blackmail Sacrifices others to make his escape He obtained his power without obtaining the discipline to know how to use it.

15 Wu, Hammond, Nedry Each dies just as he is about to get power and money Their goodness is destroyed Conceit makes them overconfident and dangerous

16 The ending The destruction of the island is complete
The remaining dinos escape The gothic nature of the novel is terrifying because the government engages only in a massive cover-up. No provision is made to stop a similar situation from developing again or to contain the dinos, which still live in the jungles.

17 T REX vs RAPTOR

18


Download ppt "A Marxist reading of Jurassic Park"

Similar presentations


Ads by Google