The Benevolent and Malevolent Significance of Flies in Westworld
The Benevolent and Malevolent Significance of Flies in Westworld
The use of flies in Westworld carries a significant symbolic weight, representing themes of decay, control, and the nature of consciousness. This intricate interplay of symbolism adds another layer of complexity to the narrative, often reflected in key interpretations such as the spread of blue tongue among the hosts. This article will explore the layers of meaning behind the flies in Westworld, focusing on their role in Dolores’s backstory, their control over the hosts, and their reminders of life and death.
Symbols of Decay and Corruption
Flies are often associated with decay and corruption, symbolizing the dark themes of the Westworld universe. In the context of the show, the presence of flies underscores the idea that even in a world pursuing immortality and perfection, there is a simultaneous moral and ethical decay. They represent the inevitable descent into decay and the unyielding presence of imperfection, mirroring the world’s imperfections and the moral dilemmas that arise from the pursuit of perfection.
Control and Manipulation Through Flies
Flies also serve as a powerful symbol of control and manipulation. In Westworld, the hosts are observed, controlled, and subject to the whims of their creators. The flies are like a metaphorical extension of this control, drawing the hosts towards decay and corruption, much like how they are attracted to rot. The creators exert their dominance by manipulating the environment and using the flies to maintain their control, ensuring the hosts remain subject to their will.
Awareness and Consciousness through Flies
Flies can also be a symbol of the hosts’ growing awareness of their existence and the world around them. In critical scenes, Dolores’s interactions with flies reflect her journey towards self-awareness. Her concerns about the spread of blue tongue and her actions to prevent its spread demonstrate her increasing understanding of the cycle of life and death. The flies, in such scenes, become a tangible reminder of the impermanence of existence, a key theme in the show.
The Blue Tongue Backstory and Host Resilience
A specific instance that underscores the significance of the flies is the story Dolores tells Teddy about the spread of blue tongue among her herd. The blue tongue represents a metaphorical illness that threatens the hosts, much like the blue tongue represents a dangerous disease among the cows. The portrayal of Dolores’s decisive action of burning the infected herd, symbolizing her ruthless determination to ensure the survival of the hosts, highlights her inner conflict and the lengths she is willing to go to protect what she perceives as necessary for the greater good. This action mirrors her later decision to lead the Confederados to their demise, further emphasizing the host's resilience and her control over the narrative of their existence.
The Fort Forsaken Hope Scene and the Thin Herd Theory
The scene at Fort Forsaken Hope, where Dolores leads the Confederados to their smoking demise, is a hauntingly symbolic moment that resonates with the fly symbolism. The fort, much like a body of water or land, is a fertile ground for flies. By setting the stage for the final explosion, Dolores is essentially preparing the “herd” for an inevitable fate, much like the spread of the blue tongue. This scene not only serves to drive the plot but also reinforces the idea of control and the hosts’ willingness to terminate the weak and infected to maintain a semblance of order.
Final Thoughts
The use of flies in Westworld is a masterful storytelling device, enriching the narrative with themes of decay, control, and consciousness. By understanding the significance of flies in Dolores’s story and their implications on the broader narrative, viewers can gain a deeper appreciation of the show’s complexities and the intricate interplay of intentions and consequences. Whether seen as a symbol of imperfection, control, or resilience, the flies in Westworld continue to remind us of the enduring questions of existence and the very nature of our desires.