The Fall is a first
person story narrated by a man named Jean-Baptise. The writing style of the
story sets up an interactive feel with the audience, making them feel like the
narrator is speaking to them. This story is very multidimensional when it comes
to themes. One of the main themes is the theme of power. Jean-Baptise speaks of
his every action all throughout his life being made with the intention of
gaining power. He says this is the same for all people. That whether
consciously or not, we are always making decisions that will improve our status
in life. He speaks of always needing to be right and this contributing to the
power he craves.
Along with the theme
of power comes a metaphor that he uses to further prove his need for power. He
tells the reader of his need for being even physically above other people.
Jean-Baptise tells us how his favorite spots are places like balconies overlooking
the town and its people or mountain tops where he can look out over the towns.
He is so craving of this power that it has affected his life so greatly to
where he even has begun to despise places like underground subways and caves,
even scientists who study caves. Power has consumed him.
Excellent analysis, Alexis! Definitely one of the most interesting themes of the novel is the theme of power. Initially, Jean-Baptiste describes himself as having an almost god-like level of superiority: he truly believed he was better than other people because of his good deeds. He truly thrived off this superiority. Later, he goes through a period of self-realization where he discovers that he is not the good person he once considered himself. Rather, he had been doing all those "altruistic" acts because he thrives for power, and he simply wanted to feel better than other people. Ultimately, he confesses that he's been telling you this entire story because by confessing his sins, he is given the power to judge you. The entire novel has been a means for him to feel more superior than you.
ReplyDeleteYou make some excellent points here! I fully agree that power appears to be a predominant theme throughout the novel - as well as several other works we have read in class. As pointed out above, Jean-Baptiste believes himself to be of god-level power, and this in turn consumes - and even go as far as to corrupt him to the point where he is no longer the same person. He realizes the change he has gone through by living off of his sense of superiority, and acknowledges that he is no longer good and pure as he used to be.
ReplyDelete