Cultural diary Imaginary

Imaginary world

Aïcha Koné 1e11

My Cultural Diary

01

Documents I liked

04

03

02

Conclusion

Personal documents

Doument I disliked

Summary

We will ask ourselves :

How does the literature of the imaginary, through its visionary, dystopian, or wonderful universes, allow us to rethink our reality and our ordinary life?

Documents I liked

Frankenstein is a novel written by the English author Mary Shelley. The novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a sapient creature in a scientific experiment.I liked studying the extract of the creation of the creature because I think that the process is well-detailed. There is a lot of physical description. I think that it's great because you can very well imagine the creature in your mind. I also liked studying it because the result of the experience is nothing like what Victor Frankenstein imagined. He thought that by selecting "beautiful features" his creation would turn beautiful. But without knowing he created a creature with yellow skin, watery eyes, and a shriveled complexion. But I also liked the fact that even if his creation is more horrific than beautiful, he still has some pretty features like his white teeth and his black hair. I also liked studying it because of the author's story. The life of Mary Shelley was marked by death. Her mother, sister, and child died. I also like to think that writing a story of someone bringing a creature to life, is a way for her to bring her dead relatives. The writing of Frankenstein was maybe a way for her to reinvent her reality.

Frankenstein

Fahrenheit 451 is a dystopian novel by Ray Bradbury that paints a bleak picture of a society where books are banned and “firemen” burn any that are found. The story is set in a city in the future America where intellectualism is suppressed, and critical thinking is discouraged.I liked studying this book because it emphasizes the value of human connection. The emotional and social isolation experienced by characters in the novel shows the importance of genuine human relationships. For example, Guy Montag questions if he likes his wife because he doesn't feel a connection with her since all she talks about is her TV show. It encourages readers to foster meaningful connections and to be present in their interactions with others. I also really liked studying it because Fahrenheit 451 shows how important it is to be active in society. The novel urges individuals to become active participants in their societies rather than passive observers. For example, the character Faber shows regrets about not doing anything about the banning of books. It suggests that people have a responsibility to engage with and challenge the status quo to create a more just and free society. Fahrenheit 451 encourages readers to reexamine their values, behaviors, and the structures of their society, advocating for a world where, critical thinking and human connection are prioritized and protected.

Fahrenheit 451

Document I disliked

2001: A Space Odyssey, directed by Stanley Kubrick, is a 1968 science fiction film that explores humanity's evolution, artificial intelligence, and existential mysteries through a visually groundbreaking and philosophically rich narrative. The story follows a space mission to Jupiter, where the crew encounters a powerful, enigmatic monolith, leading to profound and transformative events. I didn't like studying this movie in class because I thought it was too long. A lot of scenes could've been removed and the meaning of the movie would have stayed the same. I also didn't like this movie because I think that it was complicated to understand the meaning behind it. I think that if the producers had explained a little more the power of the monolith it would have been easier to understand. I think that because I didn't understand the movie at my first watch I was unable to connect with the story afterward. Even if I didn't like the movie, 2001: Space Odyssey raises awareness on different subjects. For example, the character of HAL 9000 raises important questions about the ethical use of artificial intelligence and our relationship with technology. It prompts viewers to think critically about the development and control of AI in our own lives, highlighting the need for responsible innovation. Pus the movie Promotes Reflection on Human Evolution and Potential. It portrays humanity’s journey from primitive beings to space travelers, the film invites us to consider our evolutionary trajectory and potential future advancements. It encourages reflection on how we can harness our intelligence and technology for progress. 2001: A Space Odyssey pushed the limits of cinematic technology, narrative form, and thematic depth when it was released. It encourages viewers to rethink their reality, embrace curiosity and exploration, and ponder existential questions, thereby inspiring a reinvention of their ordinary lives and perspectives.

2001: A Space Odyssey

Personal documents

The Maze Runner follows a teenager named Thomas who awakens in a mysterious and enclosed area called the Glade, with no memory of his past. The Glade is surrounded by a massive, ever-changing maze inhabited by deadly creatures called Grievers. Along with the other 50 boys trapped in the Glade, Thomas must navigate the maze, uncover its secrets, and find a way to escape while discovering the truth about their captivity and the organization behind it. The movie embodies key dystopian elements and offers reflections on our reality in several ways. The boys are trying to survive under constant threat. The Gladers face constant danger from the maze's deadly creatures, the Grievers, and the maze itself. This creates a survivalist society where fear and desperation govern their daily life. The Maze Runner also shows a society under authoritarian control. The world outside the maze, revealed later, is a post-apocalyptic society under strict authoritarian control. The maze is part of a larger experiment by the organization WICKED, reflecting themes of manipulation and dehumanization. This organization is sacrificing kids' and teenagers' lives for the sake of finding a treatment for the world. The Maze Runner encourages critical thinking and questioning authority. The characters’ journey involves questioning the maze's purpose and the intentions of their captors. This encourages viewers to think critically about authority and the systems that govern their lives. The movie also highlights the importance of cooperation and leadership. The Gladers must work together and rely on each other's strengths to survive and attempt to escape the maze. This emphasizes the value of teamwork, leadership, and community in overcoming challenges. The Maze Runner also warns their viewers against unchecked scientific experimentation. The dystopian society in The Maze Runner reflects the dangers of unethical scientific practices and experiments on humans. It serves as a cautionary tale about the moral implications of scientific advancements and the importance of ethical considerations. In summary, The Maze Runner is dystopian due to its depiction of an oppressive, controlled environment, and survival under constant threat. It reinvents our reality by, highlighting cooperation and leadership, encouraging critical thinking, and cautioning against unethical scientific practices.

The maze runner

The song delves into Eminem’s battles with mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. The "monster" symbolizes these internal struggles, presenting a terrifying world where one's mind can be both an adversary and a source of fear. Eminem reflects on the pressures and isolation that come with fame. He describes how success has brought unwanted attention and scrutiny, leading to a sense of being trapped or overwhelmed by the "monster" of public life. The lyrics highlight the confusion and conflict between his public personality and private self. This split identity creates a world where authenticity is compromised, and the true self is hidden, leading to a sense of disconnection and fear. By candidly discussing his mental health struggles, Eminem helps destigmatize these issues. The song encourages listeners to be open about their mental health challenges, fostering a more supportive and understanding society. Eminem's exploration of his identity crisis underscores the value of authenticity. It inspires people to embrace their true selves and resist the pressure to conform to external expectations, promoting a society that values individuality. Despite the dark themes, the song ultimately conveys a message of resilience. Eminem’s journey through his struggles to a place of acceptance and control can inspire listeners to persevere through their own challenges, encouraging a culture of resilience and hope. The Monster by Eminem portrays a terrifying world of mental health struggles, the dark side of fame, and identity crises. It reinvents our society by encouraging open discussion about mental health, promoting authenticity, raising awareness about the impact of fame, and fostering resilience and recovery.

Monster: Eminem feat Rihanna

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro follows the lives of three friends, Kathy, Tommy, and Ruth, who grow up in a seemingly idyllic English boarding school called Hailsham. As they mature, they gradually learn that they are clones created for the sole purpose of donating their organs. The novel explores their struggles with this harsh reality, their relationships, and the deep ethical questions about humanity and the value of life. This novel is purely dystopian. The society depicted in the novel raises and educates human clones specifically to harvest their organs. This dehumanizes the clones, treating them as mere commodities rather than individuals with their rights and feelings. The clones are conditioned to accept their fate from a young age, through a subtle but pervasive system of emotional manipulation. The education system at Hailsham, their boarding school, gives them a semblance of normal life while preparing them for their eventual fate, leading to a passive acceptance of their grim future. There is an implicit suppression of any form of rebellion or hope for a different life among the clones. Even as they grow aware of their fate, the societal structure ensures they remain compliant and do not seek to change their destiny.By portraying the clones' plight, the story highlights the importance of recognizing and preserving human rights and dignity. It urges readers to think about the ethical treatment of all individuals, regardless of their origins or purpose in society. The characters’ memories and personal histories are crucial to their identities, even as they face their bleak futures. This underscores the importance of our memories and experiences in shaping who we are and encourages a deeper appreciation of our journeys. Never Let Me Go is a dystopian novel because it depicts a society where human clones are created and exploited for organ harvesting, stripping them of their autonomy and humanity. It reinvents our society by raising ethical questions about biotechnology, advocating for human rights and dignity, and highlighting the importance of memory and personal history.

Never let me go

Conlusion

04: Conclusion

Imagination is the core of the creative process. It is a tool to cut loose from reality and create extraordinary worlds. Artists can invent different worlds, inspired by our own, but with different rules. Imagination helps create dreamlike visions and fantasy worlds. It is also a tool to push back the limits of reality.

Thanks!