A dystopian depiction can be described as a dark vision of the future. Very often dystopias are written as warnings, or as satires showing current trends extrapolated to a nightmarish conclusion. In this respect, they frequently differ from utopias; idealistic utopias have no roots in today's society, being in some other place or time. Perhaps it is in this context that the power politics Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park (1991) is socially and politically relevant. This novel gave us our first exposure to the possibilities of genetics and bioengineering when the scientific community was getting ready for a mammoth breakthrough. Steven Spielberg who made the popular movie Jurassic Park based on Crichton's novel has observed thus:"Science is intrusive. I wouldn't ban molecular biology altogether because it is useful in finding cures for AIDS, cancer and other diseases. But it is also dangerous and that's the theme of Jurassic Park." (The Wall Street Journal 9 July 1993).In the novel Malcolm, who criticizes the scientists for their irresponsible attitude, serves as the mouth piece of Crichton.
He derides the tendency to experiment without adequate research being done to possible consequences and how they can be dealt with. The scientists in Jurassic Park continue to misuse the power of genetics for material benefits.
The novel also touches upon the issues of eco-aesthetics and bioethics. The scientists have tried to alter Nature's balance using the power of genetic engineering. Its use and its ability to restructure the molecular heart of living creatures is amazing. But the use of such power requires wisdom and patience.
Many comments made by Malcolm hit raw nerve in the scientific community. Misplaced notions regarding bio-ethics also come under stringent criticism. Crichton is also making a statement about man's thirst for scientific discovery and power. In his Profiles of the Future (1962), which has earned him a respected place in the world of science, he has announced that only readers or writers of science fiction were really competent to discuss the possibilities of the future. Through his most compulsive novel to date, Crichton has corroborated Clarke's claim that a full consideration of future prospects, requires the kind of speculative imagination together with 'willing suspension of disbelief' which can only be found in the realms of science fiction.
He derides the tendency to experiment without adequate research being done to possible consequences and how they can be dealt with. The scientists in Jurassic Park continue to misuse the power of genetics for material benefits. The novel also touches upon the issues of eco-aesthetics and bioethics. The scientists have tried to alter Nature's balance using the power of genetic engineering. Its use and its ability to restructure the molecular heart of living creatures is amazing. But the use of such power requires wisdom and patience.
Many comments made by Malcolm hit raw nerve in the scientific community. Misplaced notions regarding bio-ethics also come under stringent criticism. Crichton is also making a statement about man's thirst for scientific discovery and power. In his Profiles of the Future (1962), which has earned him a respected place in the world of science, he has announced that only readers or writers of science fiction were really competent to discuss the possibilities of the future. Through his most compulsive novel to date, Crichton has corroborated Clarke's claim that a full consideration of future prospects, requires the kind of speculative imagination together with 'willing suspension of disbelief' which can only be found in the realms of science fiction.
1 comment:
Interesting to know.
Post a Comment