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Monday 18 March 2013

The Therapy Zone

Symbolism

     Over the decades, much has been made of the symbolism within ‘the Prisoner’ series, and indeed I have played my part in that, and yet there is always something which remains a puzzlement.
   Take those two Pegwooden dolls seen in ‘Arrival,’ and ‘Checkmate.’ To me something is made of their appearance in the Prisoner series, as though they should have some symbolic meaning, but of what they symbolise is beyond my reasoning. It might be that they are simply used for effect! Somehow I don't think the Pegwooden doll is simply there for window decoration, or to prop a welcoming card up against.

I Have Command - Obey Me And Be Free
   Just as No.6 predicted, and indeed as he told No.2 "Everyone votes for a dictator," and so it proved to be with the electorate. But as it turned out, it is No.6 who is the dictator, trying to force his freedom on all the citizens of the village. Had it never once occurred to him that many of the good citizens of that community did not want to be free, certainly not his kind of freedom forced upon them? After all what would they do with freedom in the outside world, what is the outside world to those who have never known it?
   No.6 is a persuasive character, but is not up to the manipulation of the citizens, nor does he have the administrative ability to follow through on his policies. Nor do I think that he can be trusted!
   The Schizoid Man - No.2 has lost his agent - Curtis. He has failed to break No.6, which in itself is something of a surprise, as previous No.2's don't want No.6 broken, he doesn't want "A man of fragments!" and they most certainly must not "Damage the tissue." However, so it doesn't look too good for this particular No.2. But at least he does redeem himself to some extent, by preventing No.6 from escaping. Yet thinking about it that is but a stroke of luck! So one could call this a stalemate, a draw.
The Prisoner
   Given No.6's unusual qualities and the extent of his knowledge, especially about The Village, it's very existence and location. It is therefore not surprising then that it is necessary that he should be held in a place of confinement, and not be allowed to roam free after his sudden resignation. Such a person is extremely dangerous to the security of both the Nation and The Village.

Be seeing you

8 comments:

  1. Certainly a puppet but not on a string. Sandy Shaw's top hit April 27th, 1967. - BCNU!

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    1. Hello Arno,

      Or indeed a 'Puppet On A Chain' by Alistair Maclean a novel first published in 1969.

      Kind regards
      David
      BCNU

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  2. Speaking of symbolism, the extremely flexible perhaps even loose limbs of this pegwood doll could be seen as a memento of more severe measures - any kind of torment - to be brought about No. 6 by the Village. Isn't there a telling split second of glancing thoughtfully at it? - BCNU!

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    1. Hello Arno,

      That's an interesting interpretation, I'm obliged. I can see I haven't given the doll enough thought. And yes, I think that is a split in the doll. I wonder who owned the pegwooden doll, one of McGoohan's daughters perhaps.

      Regards
      David
      BCNU

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  3. Hi there,
    in a way the puppet reminds me of an elaborate, developed pawn complete with moveable limbs and a head, when I see how it is moved and placed by others. But it is not placed on a chessboard, but on a chair.. or maybe a diminished throne?

    Best wishes,
    Jana
    BCNU

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    1. Hello Jana,

      I am never surpprised by what people see in 'the Prisoner,' how they interpret the series and it's contents. I mean that in a good way, but seeing the pegwooden doll as an elaborate Pawn chesspiece is a new one on me. As is the somewhat deminished throne it sits upon. I like it, and I'm obliged to you for both yours and Arno's interpretations.

      Regards
      David
      BCNU

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  4. You mention it: throne! But here the No. 6 replica is stripped of all his clothes, too. The emperors new clothes... Remarkable. - BCNU!

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    1. Hello Arno,

      Yes that's a very clever parallel, as you say, remarkable.

      Regards
      David
      BCNU

      Delete