Themes in Popular culture

Introduction

            It is evident that popular culture has many themes and one of the most common themes is the sense of immediacy. Advancement in technology has been of much help to this process and the aspect of speed is very critical in the manner in which accepted culture distinguishes its own veracity (Brunner & Borgna 121). Another common theme is the creation of a sphere where the difference between the public and private spheres is not perceptible (Brunner & Borgna 141).  Power is one of the most evident themes in both “animal farm” by George and in the film “Spiderman 2” by Avi Arad.

            Power is something that has been fought for many years. This is because it comes alongside influence, authority and respect. It can also be termed as a central theme in almost all books and films because people admire being in utmost control (Rodden 57). In the book, animal farm; power is the major theme and it has a negative influence of corrupting people. The author of the book creates a picture of where people begin with an aspect of being very idealistic and optimistic but become corrupted later. This can be seen from the fact the pigs begin with the Old Major’s vision and just like human beings being oppressive by the end of the book (Orwell et al 171).

            It is also evident that people who tend to be impractical, naïve and unrealistic tend to be manipulated and oppressed by those who are hungry for power. This is very evident with the character, Boxer. From the beginning of the book he comes out as being very naïve but ends up being exploited and worked up to the point of death by the novel government who end up selling his body (Orwell et al 177). The negative influence of power in the book is seen at the beginning of the book where Old major identifies with the coercion and cruelty that the animals are facing and also speaks of a time that would come where the animals would put an end to their oppression from human masters by conquering and overthrowing them (Rodden 69). After the overhaul of the satiation then the animals would build an impartial and just society, but this was not the case. For instance, the case where the animals chased away Jones from the Manor Farm showed that the day had come. Nevertheless, we see the animals being corrupted by power by virtue of the leadership of the revolution (Rodden 72).

            Looking at snowball; he begins to claim privileges for himself and other animals is a depiction of corruption of power. This corruption is seen by the change in the principles which by the end of the book are perverted to a point where it stated that there was equality in all the animals; however, some animals were more equal than others (Orwell et al 283). This is a clear example of power and its effect if corrupted.

            Power is also depicted in the film “Spiderman 2” where the main characters are abandoned by people who were very instrumental to them. This is to mean that these people had the power to choose whether to abandon them or not (David et al 51). Peter who is the main protagonist is left by his parents and all the while he seeks to know the reasons as to why this happened. It is vital to note that the themes in the film keep on changing in the different acts. However, the theme that comes out in all the acts in power. This is clearly expressed in the second act where the humans beings struggle looking for hope in the midst of problems and difficulties. This evidently shows that all human beings desire to be in control devoid of struggles and intricacies (David et al 70). It is also clear in the film that character can be revealed by the manner in which we react after gaining or losing power. For instance, the main protagonist would throw himself into being the Spider man ay time he felt devoid of power or hope. He is not satisfied when he does not have the ability to make a difference but is thrilled every time he comes up with an ability that can make a difference as Spiderman (DeFalco et al 61).

            The theme of power is of great importance in the film because it depicts the main features of Spiderman. The protagonist requires this ability in order to make the difference he requires. If it were not for the strengths of the spider man nothing much would have been achieved (Brunner & Borgna 324). Peter’s desire to make a difference and become the spider man is stimulated by power; this shows that human beings are able to do anything within their capacity to acquire the power they need to change things around them (Brunner & Borgna 366). The theme is also very critical in the book because it brings out the reality of the adverse effects of power if misused. This is what that is happening today in many political powers. The quest for power has led to the destruction of many and also ignited wars in many countries.  This is also a lesson that human beings should be very cautious when it comes to power in order to avoid being distracted by the benefits that come alongside it but rather make a positive difference (Brunner & Borgna 412).

            There are various differences and similarities in the aspect of power from the film and the book. It is important to note that in both, there is a quest and a struggle to attain power and control (Rodden 106). From the book this quest emanated from the fact that the animals were being ill treated by their masters the human beings whereas in the film it came about as a desire to make a difference after being abandoned by instrumental people in their lives (Brunner & Borgna 722). It is evident that in both, there is a drive that ignited the desire for power.  The aspect of bringing in change is also very crucial in both the film and the book. Power has the ability to bring in change and this was the desire for the main protagonists in the book and the film. The book depicts the desire to make a difference and stop the oppression by the human beings while in the film it is the ability to make a positive difference in the world (Brunner & Borgna 761).

            However, the main difference in the themes is the outcome of power. As discussed above, power can define a person’s character. In the book, power brought about much corruption and therefore demonstrating the negative aspect of power; while in the film, the power is for doing good (DeFalco et al 122). However, he also used his power to make money and this brought about much fame for him. It also shows the fact that great power comes alongside great responsibility.

Conclusion

             It is evident that the theme of power is a popular culture theme as it cuts across all aspects of life. It is very important in the day to day activities, however, ha repercussions when misused. It is also evident that daily activities are run using power and is a desire for all human beings to be in power in order to make significant difference that they see fit. It is also critical to note that power can be the main theme but with different sub themes in a film or a book.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Work cited

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Brunner, Borgna. Time Almanac ... with Information Please. Boston: Information Please, 2005.   Print.

David, Peter, Alvin Sargent, and Stan Lee. Spider-man 2. New York: Random House Pub, 2004. Print.

DeFalco, Tom, and Stan Lee. Spider-man: The Ultimate Guide. London: Dorling Kindersley,       2004. Print.

Orwell, George, George Orwell, and George Orwell. Animal Farm: 1984. Orlando: Harcourt,      2003. Internet resource.

Rodden, John. Understanding Animal Farm: A Student Casebook to Issues, Sources, and Historical Documents. Westport, Conn. [u.a.: Greenwood Press, 1999. Print.