The Truth Behind John Locke's Duality in Lost

In the Lost series, viewers often encounter a complex and enigmatic character: John Locke. Many episodes of the show leave the audience questioning the true nature of Locke, especially in Season 5. This article aims to clarify the confusion surrounding the apparent possession of John Locke by delving into the true nature of his duality and the underlying mechanisms that were at play.

Charlie's Question and Its Misinterpretation

One of the most frequently asked questions about Locke is whether he was possessed by the Man in Black. Some viewers believe that the Man in Black used Locke's image or caused him to be possessed. However, it is important to note that Locke was never truly possessed in the traditional sense of the term. The Man in Black’s visage was merely an doppelg?nger, an image used to mislead the characters and the audience.

In Lost, the concept of possession is not a significant element. Instead, the show explores more complex themes such as brainwashing, post-hypnotic suggestion, and the concept of the "zombi" as inspired by real-world phenomena. The Man in Black's ability to project his image onto Locke is best explained through the lens of these psychological and neurological mechanisms.

Locke's Non-Existence after the Ajira Flight

According to Rafina, during Season 5, the death of Locke is declared right after the Ajira Flight lands on the island. However, what follows is not a possession. The true explanation is that Locke died when Ben shot him in the season finale of The Life and Death of Jeremy Bentham. His "corpse" was brought back to the island, and the Man in Black used this image to deceive the characters and the audience. Technically, Locke was never possessed; the Man in Black simply created a facade using Locke's image.

The Ajira Flight and the True Course of Events

The first appearance of the Locke-version of the Man in Black (MIB) is following the Ajira flight's landing. This is a pivotal moment in the narrative, as the screen shows the dead body of Locke in the container, indicating that MIB is merely using Locke's image to deceive the characters and the audience. The MIB created an illusion, convincing everyone that Locke was brought back to life, which is a key plot point in the fifth season.

Mechanisms and Theories in Lost

Lost does not delve deeply into the concept of traditional possession. Instead, it explores a more nuanced and realistic scenario inspired by real-world theories and fictitious narratives. The show draws heavily on the concept of brainwashing and post-hypnotic suggestion, employing techniques similar to those described in:

The novel and film adaptation of The Manchurian Candidate The Haitian lore of creating zombies

Rafi indicates that the show’s creator, Damon Lindelof, was inspired by real-world experiences. Lindelof’s father, who was a friend of Lindelof, recounted a trip to Haiti where he first heard about the concept of zombies. The general theory is that drugs could be used to put a person into a stupor, then temporarily paralyze them, and convince them they had died and been brought back to life at someone else's command.

Lost incorporates these elements by depicting the burial of a paralyzed person. This scene serves as an allusion to the creation of a zombie. On their podcasts, the creators of the show, Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse, jokingly commented on the "season of zombies," although this season was never officially realized.

Characters and Psychological Manipulation

The show often referred to characters as "candidates," hinting at the concept of brainwashing as portrayed in The Manchurian Candidate. Desmond, in particular, was selected for his resilience and the specific brain trauma he endured. Daniel Faraday’s machine caused brain damage and, when combined with post-hypnotic suggestion, allowed subjects to be manipulated and convinced that they were someone else or a double.

Locke, however, was not one of the "candidates" or zombies. His numerous doubles only knew what they were doing. At least one of them was working with Ben, while the others betrayed the double and collaborated with Widmore.

Conclusion

Through a complex interplay of psychological and neurological mechanisms, Lost explores the concept of duality and deception. The apparent possession of John Locke by the Man in Black is actually a manifestation of brainwashing and post-hypnotic suggestion. Understanding these mechanisms adds a deeper layer of intrigue to the show, as viewers can now appreciate the nuance of the character's nature and the true nature of his "possession." The show's creators aimed to blend the real-world concept of zombies with the psychological thriller elements, creating a narrative that is both compelling and thought-provoking.