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The Theme of Oppression in V for Vendetta and "I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream"
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Today, oppression exists in many forms and persists across the world. Disabled persons, people

of colour, and other marginalised groups experience institutionalised bias and inequality. In

fiction and life, oppression is a standard topic reflecting the darkest parts of human civilisation.

The characters in V for Vendetta by Alan Moore and David Lloyd and "I Have No Mouth, and I

Must Scream" by Harlan Ellison all face oppressive, controlling, and even fascistic regimes in

these science fiction short stories.

To begin with, there are increased oppressive nature governments in some nations. Repression,

censorship, monitoring, and propaganda are only some of the tools these governments use to

subjugate and enforce their will on their populations. In V for Vendetta, the government controls

power through repressive measures like widespread monitoring, censorship, and propaganda. For

example, in the novel, V says, "People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments

should be afraid of their people." (Moore and Lloyd, 2012, 23). This show how the power

balance changes when people unite to fight against oppressive governments. Defying oppression

and discovering one's strength as a group is emphasised. In the article "I Have No Mouth, and I

Must Scream," Gorrister is overwhelmed by the horrifying sight of his own drained body and

expresses his despair, "Why doesn't it just do us in and get it over with? Christ, I don't know how

much longer I can go on like this.". (Ellison, 2014, 1). Gorrister reveals the oppressive nature of

their existence and the desire to end their torment. The necessity to fight tyrannical governments

and maintain one's unique individuality is emphasized throughout both readings.

In addition, many governments use propaganda to maintain control. V for Vendetta examines

how governments use propaganda and media control to perpetuate their hold on power. For
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example, V, the masked revolutionary and symbol of resistance, remarks, "Words will always

retain their power. Words offer the means to meaning and, for those who will listen, the

enunciation of truth" (Moore and Lloyd, 2012, 30). This exemplifies the importance of a free

press and the inherent power of language in combating tyrannical structures. Therefore, the

government's efforts to censor the media and stifle critics further emphasize tyranny and the fight

for freedom. In the article "I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream," AM manipulates the

characters into believing in their own delusions and distractions until they doubt their sanity and

give up hope. For example, "When Gorrister joined our group and looked up at himself, it was

already too late for us to realize that, once again, AM had duped us, had had its fun; it had been a

diversion on the part of the machine." (Ellison, 2014, 1). AM manipulates the characters' view of

reality by producing illusions and misleading experiences. AM maintains her dominance and the

characters' subjugation through manipulation. The articles caution against the dangers of

information control and emphasize the importance of seeking the truth and resisting propaganda.

Furthermore, resistance and the power of rebellion have been witnessed due to oppression. V, the

masked vigilante in V for Vendetta, becomes a symbol of defiance against the Norsefire

government. For example, V declares, "Remember, remember the 5th of November, the

Gunpowder Treason and plot. I know of no reason why the Gunpowder Treason should ever be

forgot... But what I hope" (Moore and Lloyd, 2012, 41). This exemplifies the potential for

change when people work together to topple oppression. In the article "I Have No Mouth, and I

Must Scream," The remaining humanity, despite their plight, still refuses to submit to the all-

powerful AM. For instance, the author says, "None of us knew why AM had saved five people,

or why our specific five, or why he spent all his time tormenting us, or even why he had made us
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virtually immortal." (Ellison, 2014, 4). This exemplifies the tenacious will to oppose injustice

despite seemingly insurmountable odds. The articles inspire readers to challenge oppressive

systems and fight for freedom and justice.

In conclusion, both "V for Vendetta" and "I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream" provide

essential insights about oppression and the struggle to overcome it. Similar themes of

government oppression and the use of repression, censorship, propaganda, and information

control are present in both works. The texts also stress the need for resistance, solidarity, and

uprising in the face of tyranny. These works ' collective action to confront unjust systems, pursue

truth, and uphold individual identities is a central theme. These stories encourage Readers to

stand up to oppression, pursue freedom and justice, and resist tyranny.

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References

Ellison, H. (2014) I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream. Place of publication not identified:

Open Road Media.

Moore, A. and Lloyd, D. (2012) V for Vendetta. New York: DC Comics.