Mind control fiction explores the fear of losing free will, often through magical or technological means. Stories typically involve a character falling under mind control and being forced to act against their will, before ultimately breaking free. The methods of control vary, but often involve brain manipulation or subliminal messaging. The ethics of mind control are often explored, particularly in government settings.
Mind control fiction is a body of literature that includes or is based on the premise that some kind of force is capable of controlling an individual’s mind, usually to compel him to a course of action he would not normally consider . Mind control themes are more prominent in science fiction and fantasy stories, as mind control is usually achieved through some sort of magical or imaginary technology. In other genres, it may be achieved through government brainwashing techniques or through subliminal messages embedded in television or other media. Mind control fiction is popular because it explores the common human fear of losing control of one’s free will and being forced to submit to the will of another individual or group, often without the knowledge or awareness to do so.
Most mind control fiction exists as prose in the form of short stories or novels, although there are some narrative poems that explore the idea of mind control. In a typical story arc of mind control fiction, a character falls under the influence of some form of mind control technique. He is then forced to act against his will for part of the story, allowing readers to imagine the restricted freedom associated with the loss of free will. Such stories are often resolved when the protagonist is able to free himself or someone else from the effects of mind control and take revenge on the individual who has taken control over him. There are countless variations to such stories, but the above is a common overarching story arc, as it explores the fear of lost mental freedom but ultimately reasserts the power of the individual human mind.
The precise mechanism by which one’s mind is controlled varies greatly among works of mind control fiction. In some, a device that manipulates brain waves or brain chemistry may be used. In others, the subliminal messages embedded in entertainment can be used to exert subtle control over the minds of an entire population. Particularly in fantasy, some form of magic is often used to gain control over another individual’s mind. Each mind control method can generally be avoided in some way, although this is not always the case, particularly when minor characters are lost to mind control techniques.
As is common in many forms of speculative fiction, mind control fiction often explores the ethics of controlling one’s mind. This is especially true of mind control fiction set in contemporary times where government programs influence the minds of individuals to turn against one’s friends or countries. While the benefits to the individual or the ruling government are clear, the implications of such a complete invasion of another individual’s mind are extreme, and the consequences of this often prove disastrous.
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