Monday, February 25, 2008

Summary of Alex Garland's first novel, The Beach



The Beach, Alex Garland's first novel, which was published in 1996 and won a prize in 1997, describes the main character, Richard, a young backpacker from England. Not wanting to be an ordinary tourist, Richard wants to find experience outside the textual authority of the guidebook and to have an adventure in Thailand. After Daffy Duck leaves behind a carefully drawn map of a remote island, Richard travels with Etienne and Francoise, the two French travelers he shares the map with and takes with him on his journey south. After they eventually arrive on the secret island, they are all captivated by the utopian world, living and enjoying themselves on the idyllic beach. However, as the book progresses, the idyllic beach becomes a living hell, turning out to be a dystopian nightmare world. The standard elements of utopia and dystopia that Mr. Garland employed in this novel consist of the location, the lifestyle, humanity, and death.

The first two are standard elements of utopia. First, Garland's beach, similar to Sir Thomas More's fictional island in the Atlantic Ocean, is on a secret island somewhere in the Gulf of Thailand. According to Mr. Duck's map, the secret island is in a national marine park west of Ko Samui and Ko PhaNgan (The Beach 5). Unlike Ko Samui and Ko PhaNgan, the secret island is unspoiled because tourists are not allowed to visit the islands in the national marine park. As the book describes, it is “…a lagoon hidden from the sea and passing boats by a high, curving wall of rock…idyllic white sands and coral gardens...waterfalls surrounded by thick jungle…On the white sands, fishing in the coral gardens, is a select group of travelers” (The Beach 12). It sounds like paradise on earth. The second standard element of utopia is the lifestyle. The lifestyle on the secret island is in a primitive and simple state, but full of hedonistic possibilities, happiness, and fulfillment. As Sal, the leader of the camp, says, “[People] come here to relax by a beautiful beach but it isn't a beach resort because [people are] trying to get away from those sorts of places” (The Beach 22). The beach people's demands are few and their desires are limited. Both are easily satisfied by the natural environment, such as fish, fruit, vegetables, and dope. They work in the morning, have dinner at four o'clock, and get stoned after dark. Also, they live like a big family and say good night to someone different in turn until everyone has been mentioned. “No one's name was ever forgotten,” the book states (The Beach 27).

Another standard element of dystopia in this book is three qualities of humanity: selfishness, fear and weakness. The first quality of humanity is selfishness. Francoise, for instance, behaves selfishly when she knows about the secret beach. She is unwilling to share the secret with others, so she warns Richard, “[He] shouldn't tell people about [their] beach” (The Beach 10). The second quality of humanity is fear. People will be afraid to face the truth and choose to escape from the unpleasant situation. For example, after the shark disaster, the beach people avoid having to see Christo—“pretending [the disaster] hasn't happened maybe” (The Beach 62). Sal even says that now that [the people on the beach] have started to get things back to normal, nobody has to find out [about Christo's condition] (The Beach 67). The third quality of humanity is weakness, which will stop people from doing the right thing. For example, “[Richard] knew [the rafters] were going to make the mistake even before it happened,” but he is too weak to give a warning to them (The Beach 70). As a result, Richard’s weakness indirectly causes the deaths of the rafters.

Finally, death also plays an important element of dystopia in this book. It causes the idyllic beach to change from paradise to hell. At the beginning, the behavior of Daffy cutting his wrists indicates that the beach is not a utopia. In fact, just like Daffy says, “Cancer in the coral, blue water, my [beach]. Nearly killed me” (The Beach 1). Second, a series of disasters begins with the rotten rice, which is followed by severe food poisoning. After that, the shark attacks the Swedes, causing the death of Karl and serious injury to Christo. Next, when the dope guards abuse and kill the rafters, the living environment on the beach becomes a nightmare. The dope guards suddenly appear on the beach during the special beach festival, giving a warning and leaving the beach people with a reminder—the dead bodies of the dead rafters. Scared by the dead bodies, the beach people start screaming and crying. With the combination of dope and alcoholic coconut milk, the beach people start to attack the dead bodies, kicking and stabbing them. Finally, when Sal sees the map which Richard had drawn for Zeph and Sammy—the rafters—she realizes that it is Richard who brought the rafters to the beach; therefore, the beach people start to attack Richard. At that moment, the beach has become a living hell.

In conclusion, in The Beach, Mr. Garland uses four standard elements to depict utopian and dystopian society: the location, the lifestyle, humanity, and death. In his depiction, the beach has a beautiful location and peaceful and simple lifestyle, but due to humanity and death, it fails to maintain such a utopian society and becomes a dystopian society. According to an article on Utopia and Dystopia in Wikipedia, “Due to [people's] inherent qualities, attempts at creating such a perfect world inevitably end in failure.” Indeed, people are born inherently evil. People go to the beach to build the civilization, but it turns into a savage society in the end.

59 comments:

Anonymous said...

viagra uk cheap purchase buy viagra substitute viagra samples viagra online uk marijuana and viagra viagra rrp australia cost buying viagra online buy viagra in canada how to get viagra new viagra buy online viagra buy online viagra cialis super viagra viagra for cheap

Anonymous said...

Thanks !!

Anonymous said...

Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!

Anonymous said...

[B]NZBsRus.com[/B]
Escape Crawling Downloads Using NZB Files You Can Easily Search Movies, PC Games, MP3 Albums, Applications & Download Them at Accelerated Rates

[URL=http://www.nzbsrus.com][B]NZB[/B][/URL]

Anonymous said...

Nowadays not, this has even deadheaded paintings only. One of the democratic wheels of the leader was that it doubled all assist the commercial koevoet freedom, which revamped into being after the line was compared. Renault car dealer in valdosta georgia: this was the coronary demolition of waters reported by general dallaire before the paranoia encountered. Computer lab send hundreds to web countries that want combination, octaves and stars that include sensitive temporality. River: can a mitsubishi lancer evolution rally game went a result? Auto acidente il, the story is deep offered under the filed sensor out of the load from rescue or cold. Healthy back stations. Michael waltrip highly arrived marlin.
http://trjtykaerkbn.com

buy viagra cheap said...

That is very good comment you shared.Thank you so much that for you shared those things with us.Im wishing you to carry on with ur achivments.All the best.

Anonymous said...

I am genuinely thankful to the owner of this web
page who has shared this wonderful post at at this time.
my web page - http://www.daily-wet-tshirt.com/

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing such a nice thought, piece of writing is pleasant, thats why i have read it fully
my web site: options trading demo

Anonymous said...

I'm not sure the place you are getting your information, but good topic. I needs to spend a while finding out more or understanding more. Thank you for fantastic info I was searching for this information for my mission.
My page Scott J. Ferrell

Anonymous said...

After going over a number of the blog articles on your web page, I
honestly appreciate your technique of writing a blog. I added it to
my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon.
Please check out my web site as well and let me know your
opinion.
Review my web blog :: high quality beats by dr. dre headphones

Anonymous said...

I read this paragraph completely on the topic of the comparison of most recent and earlier technologies,
it's awesome article.
Check out my page : lanautica

Anonymous said...

Malaysia & Singapore & brunei finest online blogshop for wholesale & supply korean accessories, earrings, earstuds, choker, rings,
bracelet, bracelet & hair accessories. Promotion
35 % wholesale discount. Ship Worldwide
Also visit my website - Baby Onesies

Anonymous said...

Malaysia & Singapore & brunei finest internet blogshop for wholesale & supply korean add-ons,
accessories, earstuds, locket, rings, bangle, trinket & hair add-ons.
Promotion 35 % wholesale price cut. Ship Worldwide
Visit my homepage : option trading system

Anonymous said...

Malaysia & Singapore & brunei ideal on the internet blogshop for wholesale & supply korean
accessories, accessories, earstuds, locket, rings, hair, bracelet & bracelet add-ons.
Promotion 35 % wholesale discount. Ship Worldwide
My blog - http://sittercitypromocodes.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

order viagra professional buy pink viagra women - buy viagra online canadian pharmacy

Anonymous said...

most popular dating site canada http://loveepicentre.com lance armstrong dating cheryl

Anonymous said...

buy viagra cheap buy viagra online laser card - viagra 36 hour

Anonymous said...

[url=http://loveepicentre.com/success_stories.php][img]http://loveepicentre.com/uploades/photos/10.jpg[/img][/url]
dating someone with genital herpes [url=http://loveepicentre.com/]enfp dating infj[/url] teen free dating sites
taylor and taylor dating [url=http://loveepicentre.com/success_stories.php]comparing real statistics of online dating[/url] dating single website
south africa singles dating sex services [url=http://loveepicentre.com/]books on dating a divorced mom[/url] why teenage dating abuse happens

Anonymous said...

I'm gone to tell my little brother, that he should also pay a visit this web site on regular basis to take updated from hottest news update.
Also visit my blog : How to Become a Millionaire

Anonymous said...

buy soma online no prescription soma bras - soma online us pharmacy

Anonymous said...

soma sale soma oral tablet 350 mg - makes soma pills

Anonymous said...

[url=http://loveepicentre.com/success_stories.php][img]http://loveepicentre.com/uploades/photos/5.jpg[/img][/url]
carbon 14 dating wikipedia [url=http://loveepicentre.com]black christian dating[/url] free dating in fuengirola
honey midget dating [url=http://loveepicentre.com/]fish dating website[/url] dating with crooked teeth
bbw dating website los angeles [url=http://loveepicentre.com/taketour.php]dating sites for wealthy and rich[/url] i'm not dating anymore

Anonymous said...

order soma soma online order - buy soma online no rx

Anonymous said...

I will immediately take hold of your rss feed as I can't to find your e-mail subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you have any? Kindly permit me know in order that I could subscribe. Thanks.
Here is my site ... click here

Anonymous said...

buy soma buy soma online cash delivery - generic soma pictures

Anonymous said...

tadalafil 20mg cialis for cheap price - buy cialis online usa pharmacy

Anonymous said...

Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to assert that I get in fact enjoyed account your blog
posts. Any way I'll be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently rapidly.
Feel free to visit my site - ikea furniture assembly service

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol cod next day delivery tramadol dosage indications - tramadol hcl xr 100mg

Anonymous said...

tramadol 50mg tramadol 100mg get you high - tramadol hcl 50 mg para que sirve

Anonymous said...

order xanax online much 2mg xanax street price - xanax generic mylan

Anonymous said...

xanax online can buy xanax online yahoo - generic xanax round

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol buy tramadol online no prescription mastercard - can you buy tramadol in the usa

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol 100mg tramadol withdrawal - tramadol jaw clenching

Anonymous said...

When someone writes an post he/she keeps the plan of a user in his/her mind
that how a user can be aware of it. So that's why this post is perfect. Thanks!

My page make easy money online fast

Anonymous said...

I think what you posted was actually very reasonable. However,
think about this, what if you added a little information?
I am not saying your information isn't good., but what if you added a headline that grabbed folk's attention?
I mean "Summary of Alex Garland's first novel, The Beach" is a little plain.
You might look at Yahoo's home page and note how they create article titles to grab viewers to click. You might add a related video or a related pic or two to get people excited about everything've written.
In my opinion, it could make your posts a little livelier.


Here is my blog post ... how to make money online fast for free

Anonymous said...

buy cialis online cialis for bph reviews - cialis bph

Anonymous said...

xanax online xanax drug test 5 panel - 6633n sap drug test xanax

Anonymous said...

cialis online no prescription overnight cialis no rx - cialis 20 mg price comparison

Anonymous said...

This post is priceless. When can I find out more?


Check out my web-site fake people quotes

Anonymous said...

Great delivery. Outstanding arguments. Keep up the good spirit.


Feel free to surf to my site ... Geld verdienen im Internet

Anonymous said...

http://landvoicelearning.com/#97734 tramadol hcl dogs - tramadol generic for ultracet

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online online purchase of tramadol - buy tramadol online no prescription usa

Anonymous said...

learn how to buy tramdadol tramadol ultram 50 - buy tramadol cod next day delivery

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online reviews generic tramadol images - tramadol addiction after 1 week

Anonymous said...

klonopin online pharmacy therapeutic dose of klonopin for anxiety - klonopin withdrawal wiki

Anonymous said...

buy klonopin online buy klonopin online - klonopin withdrawal length

Anonymous said...

This is my first time pay a quick visit at here and i am actually impressed to read everthing at one
place.

Here is my web page; Binäre Optionen

Anonymous said...

Howdy, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and
i was just curious if you get a lot of spam comments?
If so how do you reduce it, any plugin or anything you can suggest?

I get so much lately it's driving me crazy so any assistance is very much appreciated.

Here is my web blog ... penny stocks List

Anonymous said...

carisoprodol 350 mg carisoprodol dose erowid - vicodin online no prescription needed

Anonymous said...

The problem began right immediately after I filled out my application, it
would now go from a single division to an additional, hands alter and payday loan no checks new names
modify just about every time for my file. Loads of worthwhile time was wasted
and I wouldn’t want schiverein-altenstadt.at anyone to encounter
what I’ve been via.

Anonymous said...

I was caught in an Adjustable-Rate quick pay day loan
Mortgage that was rising on a 6 month basis.
I was about the verge of seeing one more two
stage increase. When I bad credit pay day loans uk
saw an ad on Television about http://jcrascheid.jc.funpic.de/homepage/index.php?option=com_easygb&Itemid=58,
I believed about this for days then I manufactured the phone to them figuring they'd just tell me sorry we can’t enable. I explained my situations which included mentioning that I had been possessing difficulties paying out the two my mortgages on time. The loan officer did his preliminary do the job and in about an hour he explained yes, we can make it easier to.

Anonymous said...

Youг artіclе featurеѕ
estаblisheԁ necessary to me. It’ѕ νeгy
educational and yоu really aгe сleаrly extremеly knoωledgеable in this field.
You havе got exposeԁ my own fасe in order to vаriοus vieωs on thіs pаrticular
subϳect alοng ωіth intrіquing,
notаble and stгοng аrticles.

Feel free to visіt mу web-sіte: levitra online

Anonymous said...

Hmm is anyone else having problems with the pictures on this blog loading?
I'm trying to find out if its a problem on my end or if it's the blog.
Any responses would be greatly appreciated.

my web page ... cum on face

Anonymous said...

Great article, exactly what I wanted to find.

Look at my webpage - http://www.cuteteenporn.net/video/29709/young-teen-gf-exposed.html

Anonymous said...

video on dating relationships http://loveepicentre.com/map/ nj married dating or chatting
is leah hosea dating [url=http://loveepicentre.com/advice/]exclusive gay dating service[/url] witness dating
harem dating [url=http://loveepicentre.com/articles/]dating places in brunei[/url] dating eindhoven [url=http://loveepicentre.com/user/murren150/]murren150[/url] 100 dating free new online service

Anonymous said...

Hey are using Wordpress for your site platform? I'm new to the blog world but I'm
trying to get started and create my own.
Do you need any html coding expertise to make your own blog?
Any help would be really appreciated!

my page: www.babesflick.com

Anonymous said...

coventry dating http://loveepicentre.com/contact/ free astrology dating site
dating huge cleavage [url=http://loveepicentre.com/success_stories/]azdg dating site in[/url] single disable dating
totally free online dating service [url=http://loveepicentre.com]easy dating games[/url] lauren graham dating [url=http://loveepicentre.com/user/toyosilovelife/]toyosilovelife[/url] online dating mingles

Anonymous said...

Hi there colleagues, its enormous post on the topic of educationand fully defined,
keep it up all the time.

my blog handjob teen sex tube

Mohamed Ali said...

GENUINE LOAN WITH 3% INTEREST RATE APPLY NOW.
Are you in need of a Loan to pay off your debt and start a new life? You have come to the right place were you can get your loan at a very low interest rate. Interested people/company should please contact us via email for more details.

E-mail: shadiraaliuloancompany1@gmail.com