Vikram Bhojanala Ms. Beaudoin ENG 4U 10 May 2023 The Influence of the Past on the Present In Margaret Atwood's novel Oryx and Crake, the influence of the past on the present is a recurring theme that highlights the consequences of Crake's actions, the cyclical nature of history in the novel's setting, and the importance of memory in shaping Snowman's identity. Through a captivating exploration of a dystopian society, Atwood delves into the potential dangers of unchecked scientific advancements, the importance of learning from history, and the role of memory in understanding the present. Atwood's novel explores the impact of past actions on the present world, particularly in terms of Crake's development of the BlyssPluss pill and the creation of the Crakers, which have led to the destruction of human society and the environment. Crake's development of the BlyssPluss pill ultimately causes the extinction of humanity, as it was designed to prevent reproduction and spread a deadly virus, showcasing the devastating consequences of unchecked scientific advancements. As Crake himself states, "The BlyssPluss Pill would put an end to envy, to crime, to poverty, to politics" (Atwood 303). The creation of the Crakers, a genetically engineered species designed by Crake, challenges traditional notions of humanity and raises ethical questions about the consequences …show more content…
Snowman's memories of Oryx, Crake, and his own’s trapped inside his own brain, a brain that can’t remember what it’s been missing" (144). Snowman's memories serve as a warning to the reader about the potential consequences of humanity's actions, illustrating the devastating impact of unchecked scientific advancements, environmental destruction, and moral decay on society. Snowman laments, "If he could forget, he would be free, but he can’t forget, so he’s stuck" (Atwood