A Clock Work Orange and Misery Essay

This essay will examine the novels A Clock Work Orange, written by Anthony Burgess and Misery written by Stephen King in conjunction with the novels respective films directed by Stanley Kubrick (A Clock Work Orange) and Rob Reiner (Misery). Both of these works share several themes in common with one another, as do the main characters within them. However the two themes I intend to work with are the themes of speech and violence as modes of expressing critiques, and the theme of non-conformity and its consequences. I intend to prove, using these themes, that conformity and critiques of it breed social outliers, contrarians and non-conformists. These people often act out through violence, and unacceptable actions. In order to prove this thesis correct I will be utilizing material from both novels, evidence from specific quotes and scenes within the films as well as notes from our class discussions and lectures.

Alex from a Clock Work Orange is a prime example of a youth who is resistant of his surrounding environment and society. He expresses himself through violent actions as described in the novel and seen in the film when he and his “droogs” take part in a gang fight, several instances of rape, breaking and entering into two different residences through force, one of which resulted in a murder and the assault of a homeless man for no particular reason to name a few. In order to deconstruct Alex’s behavior we have to examine the society he exists in. Alex exists in a society and culture which appears to be a highly consumer oriented culture which leads to conformity amongst the citizens of that society. Alex seems to have no interest in what is popular, whether it is material goods, music of the time period, or ideologi…

Best services for writing your paper according to Trustpilot

Premium Partner
From $18.00 per page
4,8 / 5
4,80
Writers Experience
4,80
Delivery
4,90
Support
4,70
Price
Recommended Service
From $13.90 per page
4,6 / 5
4,70
Writers Experience
4,70
Delivery
4,60
Support
4,60
Price
From $20.00 per page
4,5 / 5
4,80
Writers Experience
4,50
Delivery
4,40
Support
4,10
Price
* All Partners were chosen among 50+ writing services by our Customer Satisfaction Team

…fusing to conform to what is readers and agent want. It is not an apparent them in the novel or film that Paul is attempting to be non-conformist, but we do know that King wrote this character as a vehicle to express the frustrations that many writers face when dealing with pressures from fans, publishers and book agents.In conclusion both the characters of Alex and Annie Wilkes, use speech and violence to express their criticisms of their respective environments. Neither character seems to recognize the possibility of consequence and are only concerned with either rejecting the environment/culture in which they and attempt to alter or control the aspects of it with which they disagree.Works cited:Burgess, Anthony. A Clock-Work Orange. New York: Ballantine, 1963. Print.

King, Stephen. Misery. New York, N.Y., U.S.A.: Viking, 1987. Print.

You Might Also Like
x

Hi!
I'm Alejandro!

Would you like to get a custom essay? How about receiving a customized one?

Check it out