The Literature of LOST

Even though my previous literature-themed post has proven powerless in prompting proper repartee, I'll follow it up with another. It really combines two of my more enjoyable topics to post about, literature and LOST. This show, more than any other I've watched, weaves together not only a brilliant independent storyline but also deft symbolism, allusion and straight intertextuality with lots of different works form the literary canon. The Simpsons has traditionally done of good job in referencing (or parodying) specific works over the arc of an episode, but that is clearly more of a cartoon-sitcom than a series with any kind of overarching storyline.

Among the more recognizable works clearly alluded to (and noted by lostpedia) are Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Stephen King's Dark Tower series, Lord of the Flies, Dickens' Our Mutual Friend, Slaughterhouse-Five, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the Bible (of course) and numerous others that lend smaller bits of themology to specific episodes via episode titles (Through the Looking Glass, Catch-22, A Tale of Two Cities) or through characters being shown reading them (Carrie, The Brothers Karazamov, Watership Down).

A thorough analysis of how each of these titles fits into the larger literary world of LOST is more like the stuff of a master's thesis (one I wouldn't mind trying to use), but this post on a more superficial level will examine just a few of them.

As you know from previous posts, I've read several of the aforementioned titles, so I'll focus mostly on those, trying to do so without spoiling any future episodes for those who haven't gotten that far into the series yet.

The most obvious intertextual partner, even to people who've never seen an episode of LOST, would be Lord of the Flies. I think it's impossible for anyone to produce of creative work about castaways without at least some surface-level references to William Golding's masterwork. It is iconic, ubiquitous, plainly clear and, clearly, plainly good. Elements of the series evident even from the earliest episodes echo LOTF--the mysterious and unseen "monster" and Sawyer's references to going "Lord of the Flies" or "wild" in comparison to Jack's urges to create a peaceful society among the survivors, and rampant wild boars. LOST's storycrafters, though, have done a good job of resisting the urge to make mere, clear correlations in their references. For instance, Locke exhibits characteristics of LOTF's Jack--enjoyment and skill at hunting, a hinted-at dark side that could burst at any time (see backgammon pieces, eye scar), and later leading a rift in the group and crating a separate camp, yet also shares many traits with LOTF's Simon--an innate, peaceful connection with the island, pseudo-divinity, a secret retreat on the island away from others (the hatch). Jack Shepard shares his first name with LOTF's resident representative of the id, but exhibits more similarities with Golding's Ralph, the do-gooder, de-facto leader who wishes to keep the group together under the auspices of civility. Even Sam'n'Eric, the virtually identity-less twins of LOTF are hinted at in the ambiguous duo of Scott and Steve on LOST. The parallels of themes of technology and society and the human psyche are more complex and deeper.

Sticking with a time span of only the early part of the first season to avoid spoilers, the other clear partner so far is Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Casually, the entire experience of coming, or being transported in some way, to the mysterious, physics-defying and magical island parallels Alice's entering her fantastic world. Season 1's fifth episode is titled "White Rabbit," a clear reference to the animal that Alice Follows at the onset down the hole to enter Wonderland. In LOST's case, the clearest parallel is the appearance of dead (undead? reanimated? hallucination?) Christian Shepard, Jack's father, on the island whom Jack chases, eventually, to the caves. It is there that Jack wishes to make a new camp, for its shelter and fresh water supply.

Past that, it will be difficult to discuss much more without getting into spoiler territory. So, for those of you watching or re-watching episodes, please note on this blog or blogs of your own any literary points that strike you throughout the course of the show. I could talk (or write) about this stuff all day. If only there had been a "Literature of LOST" course while I was in college...

Image from wikipedia.