![]() Because he is so often relied upon for the unpleasant or mundane, it seems strangely natural to everyone that this dependence extend to the vital. Gilligan performs almost all of the menial chores on the island. The answer, of course, is that the islanders have become complacent. The Skipper's protection is not the real reason Gilligan is left to perform crucial duties. ![]() While it is true that the Skipper is usually supportive of Gilligan, he is also often very critical - especially following some significant mishap. Some speculate it is the Skipper's guardianship that leaves the islander's powerless to remove Gilligan's influence. Schwartz forces us to ask, "Why do they continue to trust Gilligan when they know he will fail?" ![]() Still, in the next episode, everyone will rely on Gilligan for some critical act. In every episode, Gilligan somehow manages to ruin another chance for the castaways to be rescued. At worst, he makes a great situation completely unbearable. More often than not Gilligan is the problem. Gilligan saves no exertion, refuses no absurdity, respects no boundary in his unceasing efforts to solve, or at least soften, any and all of the everyday problems of the castaways. It is "Gilligan's island." Gilligan is well-intentioned. Gilligan, the Skipper's "little buddy", embodies every extraneous governmental agency, policy and program ever foisted on innocent people anywhere. "Skipper will know what to do." The Skipper is "brave and sure." The Skipper calms the islanders at each emergency not by alleviating the problem, but by standing tall, pounding his chest and loudly making, magnificent promises that neither he nor any other person could possibly keep. Without exception, everyone on the island clamors to the Skipper for help at every crisis. The castaways rely on this symbolic "right" to leadership to unofficially consent to his capacity as governor. This historical precedent seems to convey his right to leadership more than any personal characteristics or qualifications. His authority stems not so much from democratic election as from the traditional role and powers of a ship's captain. The Skipper represents official government. A simple vehicle with clear boundaries designed to remove all irrelevant, external stimuli from the story and its message. It presents a canvas for painting all of the issues of the latest, greatest countries. ![]() The island symbolizes society - any modern western society. Other forms seek only to capture some moment in time so that future generations may experience and learn from what has gone before them.Īll of these qualities are ambitiously gathered in Sherwood Schwartz's masterwork, "Gilligan's Island." Through a thin veil of canned laughter, unpretentious slap-stick, and inexpensive production the complete modern sociopolitical predicament is brought to the light of day. Some strive to explain through metaphor that which is too complex or too abstract to state literally. Great works of literature often attempt to confront us with the obvious in such a way as to call the inevitable into question. OT Gilligans Island - The story behind the story OT Gilligans Island - The story behind the story : LUSENET : TimeBomb 2000 (Y2000) : One ThreadĪ Scholarly Critique of the Style, Symbolism and Sociopolitical Relevance of Gilligan's Island ![]()
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