The apparatus as a representation of a despised, obsolete lifestyle
In the story, the apparatus seems to symbolize an outdated, old way of life that the community has moved on from and now detests due to the unjust and inhumane procedure the execution follows. Right from an early point in the story, it is clear that the Traveler's mindset has kept up with the times, just as the community, and is not interested in attempting to rekindle any sort of support for the execution from the people. On the other hand, the Officer shows an obvious sense of denial, reluctant to accept the fact that times have changed and society has developed. He claims, “the supporters have gone into hiding. There are still a lot of them, but no one admits to it.” He firmly believes that supporters of the execution have become reticent, rather than accepting the fact that they have changed their views. Throughout a large portion of the tale, the Traveler repeatedly makes comments hinting at his disapproval of the procedure, yet the Officer does not grasp this fact until the Traveler states it explicitly. This illustrates how deeply his primitive mindset is rooted in the past, rejecting change and refusing to evolve as time goes on. The 'squeaks' within the inscriber link well with the notion of the apparatus being a symbol of a past life – an idea that requires support to stand firm. The Officer mentions the crowds that came to see the execution in the past, and how the apparatus would work flawlessly. This was when the apparatus had a strong backing. Without this support, it begins to wear off. Indeed, the breakdown of the apparatus is a turning point in the story. As the Officer subjects himself to the execution, the apparatus gradually loses its sole surviving supporter and begins to fall apart. At the end of the process, the Officer had not attained the transcendence promised, and “the tip of a large iron needle had gone through his forehead.” Losing the final bit of support it had, the apparatus fails to deliver on its purpose, instead destroying its only advocate, while simultaneously falling to pieces. This concept can be related with any other technology: without support and regular maintenance, any piece of techne would not be able to fulfill what is intended of it.
Black Mirror: USS Callister
In Kafka’s In the Penal Colony, the apparatus is seen as a symbol of a past life where condemned men were unjustly subjected to a torturous execution that has no regard for the fact that those men are human. A similar idea of dehumanization is an evident, recurring theme in Black Mirror: USS Callister. The first instance is the confrontation between Daley and Walton. Nanette’s initial admiration for Daley’s work seems to have sparked a romantic interest for her within himself, having had someone properly appreciate his efforts for the first time in a long while. When Daley notices Walton spending much time with her, Daley is filled with envy. Once back home, he enters the game and lifts Walton by the throat, almost suffocating him, while insulting him and the other crew members. He then orders Walton to crawl beneath his feet to be used as a leg rest. The next example is when Nanette has been added to the game and she attempts to exercise her human agency by refusing Daley’s command, even mocking him when he gestures towards her saying, “What, you’re going to throw a fireball?” Unfortunately for her, Daley removes all of her facial features with a snap, leaving her ‘gasping for breath with a mouth that is not there’ in a world where she cannot die unless he wishes for it. This means that he could have continued to stifle her for eternity if he wanted to, as he mentions. The horrifying scene when Shania is turned into a mutant monster – a fate that had befallen Jillian before her – and Walton being made to witness his son crumble in space are two others that depict how Daley has no remorse whatsoever in ignoring the human aspect of his crew. Overall, what can be deduced from all these sections of the episode is the idea of the crew members having to endure an endless cycle of punishments while at the same time, they face the broader punishment of being forcefully held as slaves by a heinous overlord who does not bother about their emotions. Furthermore, it is seen that Daley uses the game as a means of letting out his frustrations caused by real-world issues, rather than trying to solve these problems in reality. He seems to be addicted to the feeling of being a commander, plugging himself into the simulation daily. This begs the question of whether humans are truly in control of technology, or if technology is governing us.
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