Originality Is a Lie

The concept of intertextuality, or the connection between different works of literature, is probably one of the most used techniques in literature, used to such an extent that Thomas Foster claims that "there is no such thing as a wholly original work of literature." A bold claim, with a lot of validity. According to Foster, every work borrows something--be it a plot, a character, or a theme--from other works to some extent. A very well-read person will notice that this is true, that the vast majority of literature has recurring themes, settings, and characters among works that are otherwise nothing alike. I, being a not-so-well-read person, have not noticed this as often, but even I get lucky and spot one every now and then.

One of the most striking examples I've seen is how many books follow the theme and spirit of Ayn Rand's novel Anthem. This novel was one of the first books to utilize the anti-totalitarian, anti-communist theme that so many books have used since. 1984. Fahrenheit 451. The Giver. Logan's Run. All have taken something, usually an overbearing and all-controlling government, from Anthem. In 1984, the government controls all aspects of an individual's life, even down to their thoughts, in the same fashion as Ayn Rand's government. In Fahrenheit 451, the ruling body forbids any knowledge of bygone generations, a sentiment shared by the government that exiles Prometheus in Anthem. The council that runs the world in the novel The Giver lays out each citizen's destiny, a destiny that is gladly accepted by the mindless sheep that the people have become. You know where I'm taking this.

Another example I've found of this so-called intertextuality is the parallel between the Eragon novels and, you guessed it, Star Wars (I'm possibly the biggest Star Wars nerd I know, Ms. Weygandt, so be prepared for a lot of these references). The storyline of the Eragon novels is nearly identical to those of the original Star Wars films, and Eragon is almost a cookie-cutter model of Luke Skywalker. Both are young farmers who live with their uncles under the rule of an evil Empire. Both are destined to reestablish an ancient order of peacekeepers that was destroyed in a great war in which their respective empires were born (the Jedi Order for Luke and the Dragon Riders for Eragon). Both are watched over by a man who happens to be one of the last remnants of said order (Ben Kenobi and Brom). Both lose everything after the empire destroys their homes and kills their families. Both complete their training at the hands of a much wiser mentor after their original mentor dies (Yoda teaches Luke after Ben dies; the ancinet Rider Oromis teaches Eragon after Brom dies). Both learn the shocking truths behind their fathers' identities. And, of course, both are destined to bring down the evil Empire.