Essay on The Matrix and Mythology
Extract
Described as mythology and Buddhism meets the Internet. The Wachowski Brothers claim this is all intentional. We "examine the idea of an individual searching for their true self while attempting to escape the box that we often make of our lives." No easy task, and certainly not a new one either. Since time out of mind, we as humans have sought to put our individual troubles and the up and downs of our lives into a larger context. .
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Like the heroes journey of mythology, Thomas Anderson, played by Keenu Reeves, lives in obscurity in the ordinary world of ordinary life -- a geek living a so-called life as a programmer. Like Luke Skywalker in star wars, and Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, the Hero is at home, but doesn't feel at home. Anderson, AKA Neo, goes about his ordinary life, selling illegal software, showing up late for work.
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The Call to Adventure
The Call to Adventure, which has summoned Neo to Morpheus, is a classic motif in mythic stories. George Lucas, in the Star Wars Trilogy, portrayed Luke Skywalker as the Hero. Luke's call to adventure is the devastation of his home. Luke's choice is eking out an existence in the ruins, or joining Obi Wan Kenobi and delivering a mysterious message to the beautiful Princess Leia.
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The Oracle
Morpheus tells Neo, "She is a guide, Neo. She can help you to find the path," and that is exactly what she does.
This is pure mythology. The Hero doesn't know he or she is a hero until the critical moment when they draw upon powers within themselves they never knew they had. The Oracle never tells Neo conclusively that he is the One, nor does she say he isn't. He has "the gift," which could mean anything, but he is waiting for something, perhaps his next lifetime.
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The Ordeal
The Hero journeys on the 'road of trials' until they face the final confrontation with their nemesis. Luke Skywalker faces and ultimately defeats the Emperor and Darth Vader. Dorothy and crew must face the wicked Witch. For Neo, the Ordeal, and the dragons he must slay are the Agents. Neo explores his newfound powers in the subway fight scene. His training and new powers are formidable, but not enough to overcome Agent Smith.
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