Lecture Notes on Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood

Jul 29, 2024

Lecture Notes on Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood

Introduction

  • Lecturer: Hina from Team Wallet
  • Focus: Oryx and Crake, a speculative novel published in 2003
  • Author: Margaret Atwood
    • Genre: Speculative fiction; adventure romance
    • Atwood does not categorize it as Sci-Fi due to its feasible elements

Overview of the Novel

  • Title: Oryx and Crake
  • Setting: Late 21st century North America (exact year unspecified)
  • Narrator: Third person limited from the perspective of the protagonist, Snowman (also known as Jimmy)
  • Trilogy: First book of the Mad Adam Trilogy
    • Followed by:
      • The Year of the Flood (2009)
      • Mad Adam (2013)

Structure of the Novel

  • Two Storylines: Present (post-apocalyptic world) and Past (pre-apocalyptic world)
    • Present: World destroyed by a lethal plague
    • Past: Flashbacks to Jimmy's life before the apocalypse

Present: Post-Apocalyptic World

  • Snowman wakes up in a tree, struggles to survive
  • Crakers: Genetically engineered beings who thrive in this environment
  • Snowman's role: Keeper and storyteller for the Crakers
    • Key Figures: Oryx (caregiver) and Crake (creator figure)

Past: Pre-Apocalyptic World

  • Jimmy's childhood: Grew up in a compound of rich scientists
  • Parents' jobs at OrganInc Farms divided world: Pleblands (outside compound) vs. Compound (where experiments are conducted)
  • Mother: Abandons family due to disillusionment with immoral experiments; takes pet raccoon named Killer
  • Friendship with Crake: Video games and exploration of interests
    • Crake (Glenn): Scientifically gifted, different college (Watson-Creek Institute), Jimmy (humanities-focused)
  • Jobs after college:
    • Jimmy writes pamphlets, struggles with depression, becomes alcoholic and sex addict
    • Crake involved in scientific projects, including Bliss Plus pill

Major Themes and Plot Developments

  • Dominance of corporate power: Organ Inc's corrupt practices
  • Crake's ideals: Believes in eliminating human suffering through scientific advancement
    • Bliss Plus pill: Increases libido, secretly sterilizes individuals
  • Paradise Project: Manipulation of human embryos, creation of Crakers without emotions or attachment
  • Oryx: Works for Crake; involved in distributing Bliss Plus unknowingly creates plague

Climax of the Novel

  • Spread of plague linked to Oryx's work; Oryx is confronted by Jimmy
  • Jimmy kills Crake in a moment of horror after realizing the consequences of their actions
  • Snowman's transformation and solitude; reflects on promise made to Oryx regarding the Crakers

Ending

  • Snowman returns to Crakers, learns of sighting of more humans
  • Final questions of Norman's uncertain encounter with potential humans
  • Implications for humanity and the future

Conclusion

  • Themes of emotion, memory, and heart in a world dominated by science
  • Importance of balance between arts and sciences

Takeaway: Oryx and Crake serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition and the essential need for emotion and humanity amidst technological advancement.

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