This page is referenced by:

• 1 2019-11-13T14:26:42-08:00 Loss, Undersea - Choice 20 plain 2019-11-18T21:03:57-08:00

  As Loss Undersea comes to an end, the figure changes to a final form and the screen fades black. Finally, the story replays for the reader including all of the choices that the reader had made throughout. This gives an illusion that the story was under the control of the reader, but truly it was not. The story actually allowed a window into the real world through a metaphor of having no control. Having very few similar choices made it easier to control the reader because the reader was under the expectation that he is in control of the story, but truly the story has little variety by offering the option to change very few words.

  It is possible that Harrell is attempting to draw attention to something real with the  false sense of control that he offers his readers. Perhaps he is acknowledging the lack of control that we truly have over our own lives and even over our society. This makes logical sense with the theme of loss, struggle and mentality of individuals that he puts forth in the narrative. It even agrees Flanagan and Nissenbaum’s Values at Play, where they argue that video games have the power to alter social practices, personal beliefs, and even public policies(3). With this in mind, it is possible to wonder whether Harrell was hoping to influence readers to recognize their lack of control and  attempt to take power over their own lives.