Control does not necessarily mean absolute power A society wishing to impose and maintain absolute control
Control proves to be a pre-eminent factor in human existence. For the most part you are either in control or being controlled. The Crucible set in the past, and Gattaca set in the future, present two different societies of the same world where absolute control is imposed on the peoples living there. However, the societys desire to maintain this control resulted only in deluding itself. This can be understood in how control was imposed by the societies, the nature of these institutions, the relationship of the individual in society and the role of extrinsic and intrinsic control. The protagonists in each of the texts personify the reason why control does not necessarily mean absolute power, through their defiance of authority and retaining their individuality. The societies in The Crucible and Gattaca had an idealistic perception of purity and perfection that they wished to impose in their society. ... The Crucibles dogmatic view on a perfect world did not include witches; a perfect society consisted of a silent life full of prayer, work and devotion to the community. Through the teachings of the church the Puritan society imposed control by prying on the peoples fears and implemented segregation, conformity and restriction of the most basic of personal freedoms. ... Evident in the town of Salem, since childhood the residents were taught unconditional obedience, instilled into them of their inferiority during their upbringing this not only restricted their individuality, but also restricted their freedom. ... Gattaca and science worked much the same way, determined by your genes you were either a "valid" or an "in-valid", an "in-valid" meant that your life was restricted and your goals unrealistic as you were not a functioning part of society and this became your burden. ... While there is not outward sign of any deficiency, she is somehow aware that she is damaged goods.