Station Eleven - Literary Analysis Essay

Introduction

Station Eleven is a novel that was written in 2014, by Emily St. John Mandel. Mandel categorized it as a literal fiction, but worldwide it is recognized as science fiction. It unravels a post-apocalyptic world, where Georgia flu takes over the world, killing hundreds of people, with various themes such as memories of people dying, religion as a means of hope, and restoration of civilization for the future as the major themes.

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Synopsis

The play begins during a play in Toronto, where Arthur dies due to a heart attack. With them on the play, is Kirsten, an 8-year-old girl who is comforted by Jeevan. Kirsten later picks up Dr. Eleven, one of Arthur's books, and reads this throughout her life. Jeevan, who acted as a paparazzo, then leaves and teams up with his paraplegic brother to survive. His brother later commits suicide since he sees himself as a burden to Jeevan.

Twenty years later, Kristen is traveling with a group of actors and musicians encounter a town under a religious tyrant who rapes women. During their course, they find out when that Arthur's son, Tyler, came to attend his father's burial alongside his mother Miranda and later became religious fanatics. This was confirmed by Clark, a friend of Arthur, who informed the family during Arthur's Death. The family was unable to attend the wedding to a spreading epidemic but relocated to the religion permanently. Tyler, twenty years later, becomes the religious tyrant. When Kirsten goes to rescue some of her captured friends, she is confronted by Tyler. An accolade to the prophet shoots him and commits suicide immediately. Clark then shows Kirsten a new sprouting civilization south to where they were, where she relocates a starts a new life.

Themes

Memory is depicted when Kirsten remembers the post-apocalyptic world. Tyler also remembers he has some of his father's memories. The Theme of religion is also seen when Tyler and his mother become religious and take over as tyrant, as seen in chapter 12 "The flu," the prophet said, " the ark that carried Noah and his people over the face of the terrible waters, and I submit that we were saved."

The Theme of art and books is prominent when Arthur acts at the beginning. The book also revolves around Dr. eleven, Miranda's book. Kristine also travels with musicians and actors, playing the act of Shakespeare.

Death and survival is seen throughout, when Arthur dies, at the start of the play. Several other people also die due to the pandemic. Jeevan heads southwards, taking supplies to survive with his brother. Kirsten quotes "one ever thinks they're awful, even people who really actually are. It's some sort of survival mechanism."

Civilization is seen throughout the play, with the use of airplanes. Clarke also points out electricity where Kristine relocates.

Symbolism

Symbolism is reflected by airplanes, which symbolized civilization and hope. As planes travel the skies, people look up to a better future while viewing them. In chapter 6, Kirsten says, "No more flight... points of glimmering light."

In Chapter 16, books are also used to symbolize knowledge and reconnection with the past. This is seen when Kirsten keeps Dr. Elevens' graphics possession, which also reminds her of the past. It also buys her some harmony time when they co-relate with Tyler before he dies.

Conclusion

Station Eleven is a liberal piece of art that shows the author's blend of creativity and fiction, science, and our modern-day society. The modern viruses such as the coronavirus present epidemics and this play portray a possible intellect of the various possibilities.