I Am Legend Analyses
I am Legend
Genre and expectations of that genre
Science Fiction-Alternative future-Technology/Future World/End of the World: Creation of an anti-utopia, ironic though because in order to have any utopia you must have civilization. Mundane simple tasks are turned into extremes such as when he goes's for a drive or 'shops' or locks up the house.
Themes and issues explored
All of our actions have consequences (Newton's Law-For every action there is an equal or opposite reaction)
Christianity, God's power is greater than all of man kind's creations. Krippen tried to become god like by cheating death and was punished along with all followers.
Family values, all he dreams about is his family and what he did to try and save them. "Scan her again" The dog is the only part of his daughter he has/had.
Ethics of science, How far is too far? With every advancement in science there have always been casualties. Einstein and the atom bomb.
Representations
Robert Neville as Jesus. Neville takes it as his task/burden to save mankind, he doesn't have the disease pure blood, pure of sin. He broadcasts refuge at the sea port from the virus (Sin) and death. "I can provide food, I can provide shelter..." The cure then comes from his own blood and he dies to save mankind from the virus/sin. He also spends three years searching for a cure, roughly the time that Jesus spent preaching on earth.
The butterfly as the symbol of God's will or intervention
The virus as sin
Man changes God's creations making Alice Krippen seem god like, breaking one of the commandments, though shall not worship any other god.
The miracle cure as the apple in the Garden of Eden and the ensuing fall of mankind.
(Alternate Reading) The virus could also represent the rapture or the end of times.
Values and attitudes that are reinforced or challenged
The advancement of science, is it always a good thing. How far is too far? If we cure everything than we are no longer...
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