인간과 포스트휴먼의 공존: 『오릭스와 크레이크』를 중심으로

Abstract

Oryx and Crake is an apocalyptic narrative; it is a novel that creates life through genetic modification, spreads viruses to contain population growth, and finally completes the end of humanity with the creation of posthumans to replace human species. As a reckless development destroyed the environment and increased social inequality, Glenn-Crake, a genius mad scientist used genetic engineering and biotechnology to create drugs to exterminate humans and to create alternative human beings. This study focuses on the creation of posthumans by the bioterrorist Crake, who caused mankind to collapse due to the virus, and the failure of Snowman to return to retrotopia, which is a world with guaranteed safety and freedom. In essence, the utopia Crake envisioned has become a nightmare occupied by genetically modified animals, and Snowman wants to return to the human society of the past to escape this terrible place. This is not just an attempt to recreate the glory of the past, but to intentionally repeat the previous state, and to resort to the nostalgia of the past. Snowman wants to go back to the past rather than to move on to an uncertain future. However, retrotopia is just a space of memory and can never become a reality. Therefore, his remaining option is to establish a new community with Crakers.