Adapt, Survive and Evolve: Changing Environment in Two Post-Apocalyptic Novels The Stand and Earth Abides
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.1405.18Keywords:
post-apocalyptic period, pandemic narratives, pandemic threats and survivalAbstract
The following research which is grounded on natural selection uses text analysis to find out the significance of survival in the post-apocalyptic narration mainly with reference to Stephen King's The Stand. The intertextuality of this work with Earth Abides is also pointed out. The saga of survival in the post-apocalyptic period, Darwin’s concept of survival of the fittest and the human ability for adaptation are elucidated in the article. The survival stories teach us how to reconstruct the fallen society, providing an insight into how the affected people handle the situation (Leon C Megginson). It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those who can best manage change. The pandemic narratives can serve as an important area in the classic to contemporary literature in throwing light on future survival issues, teaching how to overcome the precarious situations. It can be reiterated that the post-apocalyptic narratives speak volumes about the above-mentioned significant areas. Ipso facto, the popularity of Pandemic literature should make humanity sure-footed in prevailing over the pandemic threats, and assuring new life and hope.
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