Representation Of A Futuristic Dystopian World In House Of The Scorpion: Main Themes

Thesis/Introduction:

Dystopian texts provide audiences with insight into the complexities of society and the impact on the development of an individual and the wider community. This is illustrated through the exploration of dehumanisation, totalitarianism, and the abuse of science & technology within different societies.

Dystopian fiction presents fantasised worlds that comment and critique on contemporary society, along with perplexing atmospheres, best achieved through the exaggeration and reflection of modern-day events and issues. These texts emphasise that the future is dependent on the present, consequently, the actions of individuals serve as questions about conceivable outcomes of the future. Given that the genre of the novel is science-fiction, this allows us to approach social issues that we can’t overcome in a direct manner. By setting the action in a science-fiction world, Farmer entertains and educates her readers by providing them with an insight into problems of the future, while also allowing them to make connections with new developments and technologies in different scientific fields.

‘The House of the Scorpion’ is a dark, twisted, but ultimately hopeful coming-of-age novel that takes place in a futuristic dystopian world, on a violence-torn strip of land between the United States and Mexico, ruled over by a thunderous and unnaturally long-lived drug lord, El Patron. The protagonist, a young boy named Matteo Alacran, struggles to find respect, acceptance and survival and establish his place as he is a genetic clone of El Patron, and is slated to be harvested for his organs.

Theme 1: Science/Technology/Genetic Engineering

The dystopian nature of a novel enlightens readers of the effects of individuals attaining full control, leading to unethical behaviours such as genetic engineering. The scientific advancements in the country of Opium show the changes in ways of living and how they influence what is achieved. The role of science establishes that new developments can come at extreme costs for individuals such as Matt. These developments are best expressed through the creation of clones as well as eejits, who are loathed, poorly treated and are viewed as ‘inhuman’ by the rest of society. They were created for the simple purpose of harvesting them for their organs, allowing vigorous figures, namely El Patron, to live a prolonged, more sustainable life. This is further emphasised through the quote “El Patron, too, had created clones to provide himself with transplants”, plainly substantiating his pernicious motives and schemes. This quote correlates to the abuse of power in the novel and the way in which dominant individuals abuse scientific advancement by creating clones and eejits, who they can later exploit for their internal organs, hence, misusing them for their own superiority.

However, at the same time, this causes great suffering, injustice and could lead to the ultimate death of all ‘subhuman’ species. The impactful effect of science within the novel forcefully perpetuates human suffering rather than creating progress. The oppression and prejudice faced by protagonist Matt, allows the reader to understand and connect with the intense suffering and immense sorrow of a victim facing the future’s scientific advancements. This is pointed out through the quote by Tom: “You’re a clone. Know what that is? A kind of puke. You were puked up by a cow”. The use of the rhetorical question here strongly accentuates Tom’s message, with an intention to get Matt thinking of what it truly means to be a clone. His strong disapproval and ruthless description highlights the intolerance that clones face by the Opium society.

Furthermore, we can come to the conclusion that El Patrón’s scientific methods have been used to avoid his own death, in order to successfully achieve the status of an anomalous being. The utilisation of these advancements does not only come with horrific and dangerous impacts for the lives of the most vulnerable, but for El Patrón’s own humanity.

Theme 2: Identity/Self Discovery

An individuals’ identity is shaped by both internal and external influences. Nancy Farmer’s novel explores the character development of Matt, as he struggles to come to the truth about his identity, and remains unsure of whether he is a clone or human and what this truly means.

In Opium, Matt is understood to be a “filthy” clone, therefore he is disregarded, mistreated, ignored and abused by members of the Alacran family. This has major impacts on Matt’s self-esteem and worth.

This is demonstrated through the quote by Tam Lin: “When you’re small, you can choose which way to grow. If you’re kind and decent, you grow into a kid and decent man”. The metaphor used shows a direction comparison. This quote is quite significant as Tam Lin is able to show Matt that you can choose who you become and that Matt is not destined to become like El Patrón just because he is his clone and shares a genetic link with him.

Theme 3: Abuse of power/corruption

The abuse of power and corruption in the novel is a widely prevalent and recurring theme. In the novel, this ethical issue is explored in great depth within the societies of both Opium and Aztlan, along with how this impacts the self-development of individuals, specifically Matt. He encounters two very contrasting frameworks of government, with many differences that separate them. Despite these differences in the distribution of power, both are unscrupulous, scurrilous and attempt to exploit the most vulnerable members of society.

First, let’s put the government of Opium into the main spotlight. The nation of Opium amasses power in an exceptionally high individualistic nature. Evidently, all force and control is held by a manipulative individual, El Patron. He cunningly utilises his capacity to mishandle his family, clones and labourers, all in the administration of his own wants and needs, never paying any attention towards the expenses and the dynamic impact this has on others. This is evidenced through the quote by Tam Lin: “El Patron has a good side and bad side. When he was young he made a choice, like a tree does when it decides to grow one way or the other. He grew large and green until he shadowed over the whole forest, but most of his branches are twisted”. This quote reveals that there are two varying aspects of El Patron, with a primary focus on his negative side. We can notice that imagery has been embedded into this example, which allows the reader to create a mental picture of the main message in their mind. El Patron has been compared to a tree, as trees are tall, large and strong, which are key characteristics of his identity.

On the other hand, let’s look at the government over in Aztlan, another prime example of where abuse of power occurs within the novel. Unlike the country of Opium, where all power is centered around an individual, Aztlán involves every individual working for the common good of society. However, the Keepers exploit the orphans known as the Lost Boys and Girls, using these collective principles to justify forced labour. Additionally, The Keepers abuse the Lost Boys by making them work long hours of hard labour, denying them food if they fail to meet their expectations. While this system is aimed to promote a good life for all, the Keepers oppress those who have no one to stand up for them. This conveys how corrupt figures can exploit a fair government structure, system by abusing those without power.