What Does This Remind You Of?

Every horror film opens with a scene barely discernible by the viewer. But, the suspenseful music and moving fog hints to the archetypal location: the swamp. This may be the beginning to the movie but, as the viewer knows, the end of someone's life. It is also the end of the viewer’s suspense. People today have associated certain places with certain events. For example, the idyllic bright garden is associated with happy memories of the past; the tall, overpowering tower is the stronghold of evil. Hollywood is responsible for romanticizing iconic locations, like the Okefenokee Swamp. Today, however the beauty of each event comes when there is an aberration, rather than when it is the norm. Chet Raymo cleverly utilizes this theory. In his piece “A Measure of Restraint”, he warns people of the dangers of an uncontrollable scientific pursuit. His first two examples are stereotypical: the first is of a poor man stealing to better his life and the second is of a laboratory mishap. However, his third example serves to be his most convincing example. Here, he demonstrates how his scientific quest began in his backyard as a young child. Typically, a backyard and a young boy playing are elements of a fond memory. This scene, however, is where Raymo states his innocent desire for more knowledge began. Previously, Raymo establishes that unless a person’s innate desires are curbed, the consequences could be dire. Because this seemingly sublime memory is the origin of potential evil, this example is the most effective at proving the danger of experimenting. Rather than using archetypal places to help convey a message, the use of contrasting locations creates a poignant effect on the audience.