[FRIAM] Sweet Tooth's Last Man

[glen]

WTH, I went ahead and did it. Here it is, for those of you willing to read garbage generated by an AI.

Copyright © -- the unnamed authors of the many texts appropriated by ChatGPT.
> Title: The Last Men in Sweet Tooth and Nietzsche's Last Man: Exploring the Resonant Analogies
> 
> Introduction:
> In the post-apocalyptic world of Sweet Tooth, Jeff Lemire presents us with the "Last Men," a formidable force embodying cruelty and conformity, while Friedrich Nietzsche's Thus Spake Zarathustra introduces us to the concept of the "last man," representing a state of human decline and mediocrity. Although situated in different contexts, the striking similarities between Lemire's Last Men and Nietzsche's last man illuminate the diminished state of humanity, prompting introspection into our own lives and the importance of purpose, ambition, and transcendence.
> 
> Body:
> 
> Paragraph 1:
> Lemire's Last Men are depicted as a force that has lost touch with their humanity, consumed by fear and ignorance. In their relentless pursuit of the hybrid children, they exhibit a cruelty that mirrors Nietzsche's portrayal of the last man in Thus Spake Zarathustra. Nietzsche's last man is characterized by his complacency and contentment with a life devoid of grand aspirations or achievements. Both the Last Men and the last man represent societies that have settled for mediocrity, lacking the ambition and drive to reach for greatness.
> 
> Paragraph 2:
> The Last Men in Sweet Tooth and Nietzsche's last man share a striking indifference towards personal growth and self-transcendence. In Sweet Tooth, the Last Men act as a monolithic force that enforces conformity and suppresses individuality. Similarly, Nietzsche's last man is characterized by his aversion to risk-taking and his desire to avoid any form of suffering or hardship. Both portrayals highlight a reluctance to step out of one's comfort zone and a rejection of the transformative power of adversity.
> 
> Paragraph 3:
> While the Last Men and the last man embody a stagnant existence, they are juxtaposed with characters who defy conformity and embody a vitalistic spirit. In Sweet Tooth, Gus, the protagonist, challenges the oppressive regime of the Last Men and seeks a greater purpose beyond survival. Similarly, Nietzsche's Zarathustra represents an individual who rejects the complacency of the last man and strives for self-overcoming and the pursuit of higher ideals. These contrasting characters serve as reminders of the strength and potential within individuals to rise above mediocrity.
> 
> Paragraph 4:
> Furthermore, the Last Men and the last man highlight the dangers of a society that prioritizes comfort and security over growth and self-discovery. In Sweet Tooth, the Last Men's fear-driven quest for control results in the suppression of individuality and the destruction of diversity. Similarly, Nietzsche's last man represents a society that has lost its creative and intellectual vigor, having forsaken the pursuit of knowledge and cultural advancement. The analogical connection underscores the perils of complacency and the importance of embracing challenges and embracing change.
> 
> Paragraph 5:
> Despite the similarities between the Last Men and the last man, there are contextual differences that must be acknowledged. Sweet Tooth presents a post-apocalyptic world, where survival is paramount and the Last Men serve as the immediate antagonists. In contrast, Nietzsche's work is philosophical in nature, addressing the existential concerns of his time. However, the core themes of human decline, complacency, and the necessity of a higher purpose resonate strongly in both works, facilitating the analogy between the Last Men and the last man.
> 
> Conclusion:
> In Sweet Tooth and Nietzsche's Thus Spake Zarathustra, the Last Men and the last man are portrayed as societies that have settled for mediocrity and lost touch with the vitality of human existence. These analogies compel us to reflect on our own lives and societies, urging us to reject complacency and embrace the pursuit of purpose, ambition, and transcendence. The strength of the analogy lies in its ability to provoke introspection, challenging us



On 5/30/23 07:44, glen wrote:
> 
> I haven't read either Lemire's Sweet Tooth <https://bookshop.org/p/books/sweet-tooth-compendium-jeff-lemire/15720508?ean=9781779510242> or Nietzsche's TSZ <https://gutenberg.org/cache/epub/1998/pg1998-images.html>. But EricS' mention, and watching the TV show, I can't help but wonder if there's analogy between their conceptions of "last man".
> 
> Were I 18 again, taking creative writing at the community college for transfer to uni, I'd write an essay making that analogy.  It would be terrible. But ChatGPT might help make it better.
> 

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