Thomas Paine’s Common Sense is one of the most significant works of literature in history. This relatively short pamphlet was one of the greatest arguments for the independence of the American colonies from British control. It inspired a revolution over three hundred years ago in the East. Now it is about to inspire a revolution in the Gweeblet Kingdom.
In Common Sense, Paine explains the evil nature of monarchy in the simplest wording of the time period. He says that while society is a blessing, government is a necessary evil. In an absolute monarchy, the thirst for absolute power is a natural disease. The most natural form of government is one that is entirely under the control of the people. Paine says, “However prejudice may warp our wills, the simple voice of reason will say it is right.”
Paine provided a strong argument for democracy, and pointed out the flaws of the British government. He also provided a structure for a successful representative democracy with a system of checks and balances to prevent any one person from having too much control.
In For the Gweeblets, my tale of a dystopian society set in the middle ages, a man (ironically named Paine) will create a book similar to Common Sense. He will reveal the evils of the omnipotent King, but at the price of his life. During his execution, a small child will recover the book, unaware of its treasonous contents.
The King, who has already proven ruthless and efficient, will stop at nothing to recover the novel and destroy it. As the book is passed amongst members of the community, the perspective will change, and the story will be told from their point of view. As the book is passed along, the knowledge within will spread like an infection, infuriating the King of the Gweeblets. His actions become frantic and irrational, strengthening the desire for independence. Even the growing demand for independence is not enough to defeat the mighty King and the brainwashed society. Soldiers will be on high alert. Spies will infiltrate into the highest ranks of the revolution. Punishment will become a daily occurrence.
Although resistance seems futile, there is a small sliver of hope that lies within the power of the written word. Perhaps one book can change history.
Sounds like a great story. Your last bit reminds me of that line from the movie Star Wars: "The more you tighten your grip, the more star systems will slip through your fingers." It looks like you plan on having the king become the very thing the book warns against.
ReplyDeleteI have planned to make allusions to several different stories, but I never thought of the plot to Star Wars. After reading the quote you shared with me, I may deliberately make some subtle references to the series as it is one of my favorites. Thank you, Ian, for your insight and for publishing my work. Please make sure to read my other papers as the school year moves on.
ReplyDeleteI'm loving how your incorporating a crackdown on the Gweeblet's revolution because something very similar to that will be happening in my story. You should look into Brave New World if you already haven't read it in our school. I know you play video games, so I'll suggest recommending Bioshock since its backstory and the philosophy created by Andrew Ryan(character in the game) are some of the creative narratives in a game I've seen that focuses on totalitarian rule.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the suggestions Chris. I am thinking I will either read Brave New World or Animal Farm. I have played Bioshock and absolutely love the story. Andrew Ryan will be no match for the evil King Gweeblet!
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