Themes of Death Depicted in Electronic Literature

Depiction of Death (Continued)

As stated previously each consecutive time a character dies, the player is sent to the void where an increasing number of fish within fish are present like a Russian nesting doll. However, the void also increasingly becomes more complex where, in the video below it shows that the each individual character (Ranni, Lisa, and Graham) needs each other to pass obstacles to save all of their lives. As stated in Everybody Die, their "fates are intertwined" (Munroe). Continuing back to the theme of death, each character must perform some challenge to clear the obstacles as demonstrated by the grates in the video before they die. Upon dying, unbeknownst to the player and physical characters within Everybody Dies, they are proceeding closer to saving everyone. This points to Munroe, although not directly stating, portraying death as necessary and inevitable.

At first, this depiction of death seems to be quite cruel. The characters inevitably die and are resurrected to complete a challenge that leads only to death again. However, this depiction of death, the void, is actually allowing a chance for "redemption" by reanimating the conscious of the dead characters in the alive ones so they may work together. Eventually, the player may find a resolution that save everyone. Solving the final problem, by framing Patrick who kills them, creates a butterfly effect that prevents everyone's doom. This is shown below where the fish representing Lisa, Ranni, and Graham, are finally free. Concluding Munroe's depiction of death is that death is necessary and inevitable and despite how death may be perceived, it is not evil and should be accepted.

The technology used to demonstrate this imagery enhances the views  on mortality. Originally when the characters saw these fish, they were indifferent. However, after realizing they may die, they understood that life is meaningful and must be cherished.



 

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