Interpreting the Others' Actions in Lost: A Multi-View Analysis

Introduction:

The hit American television series Lost has captured the attention of millions of viewers worldwide. The intricate and complex narrative features a variety of characters and subplots. One significant element is the enigmatic Others, whose actions have perplexed and intrigued the audience. From the survivors' point of view, the events on the island take on a profound complexity, adding layers of intrigue to the question of the Others' actions. This analysis delves into how different viewpoints influence our understanding of the Others' behavior in the first two seasons of the show.

Understanding the Survivors and the Others

In the first two seasons of Lost, it becomes clear that the term "survivors" is somewhat misleading. No one had actually survived a plane crash incident. This ambiguity was driven home in the promotional content for season 2, which made it explicit that some survivors believed they had been brainwashed. Therefore, the cast of characters can be divided into two main categories: those who truly believed they were survivors of the plane crash and those who were brainwashed into believing the same.

Attribution and Interpretation

The central question of who attributes the actions of the Others is multifaceted. It can be examined from several perspectives:

Attribution by the Survivors: The characters who believed they were survivors initially had no knowledge about the existence of Jacob, the figure they began to attribute the mysterious events to. However, as the season progressed, particularly through interaction with Michael Emerson, whom fans dubbed "Benry," some survivors may have begun to attribute orders and events to Jacob. This belief was a ruse by Benry to maintain his power and control over the others. Attribution by the Audience: Viewers, as they pieced together the clues and theories, began to question the narrative and seek explanations for the mysterious events on the island. The attribution of actions to Jacob was a significant element of this storytelling, enriching the viewers' understanding of the series. Attribution by the Makers: The creators of the show were well aware of the fictional nature of Jacob and never attributed any real actions to him. The "Jacobs" and "Ezras" were tools used to advance the story and create suspense for the audience.

Richard Alpert is a unique case among the characters who pretended to be survivors. Richard had been brainwashed into believing he was on the island for centuries and was only relaying orders from Jacob. However, there is speculation that some of the other "Others" were also misled, either through brainwashing or by trusting Benry's fabricated story. This scenario adds an additional layer of complexity to the understanding of the Others' actions and their interrelations.

In conclusion, the interpretation of the Others' actions in the first two seasons of Lost is a multi-faceted process influenced by the characters' perspectives, the audience's theories, and the creators' intentions. The ambiguity surrounding the plane crash survivors and the brainwashed characters contributes significantly to the show's enduring appeal and complexity.