The Influence Arts Exert on Our Virtual Space
In the expansive universe of Star Trek, the arts play a significant role in shaping the narrative and cultural landscape. From Shakespearean soliloquies to detective fiction, these artistic touchstones have left an indelible mark on the series.
The works of William Shakespeare, for instance, permeate Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, with the film's title drawing inspiration from Hamlet's soliloquy. Klingons are shown to appreciate Shakespeare, and the emotional resonance of his poetry transcends both time and species. In a conversation between Q and Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Picard emphasizes the human potential to rise above their flaws, paralleling Shakespeare's exploration of the human condition.
Detective fiction, in the form of characters like Dixon Hill, takes center stage in episodes like "The Big Goodbye." This noir-inspired detective is reminiscent of Dashiell Hammett's works, bringing a taste of 1940s pulp novels to the 24th century. Starfleet officers, including Lieutenant Commander Data, become intrigued by fictional detectives like Sherlock Holmes, further highlighting the enduring appeal of these cultural artifacts.
Gothic romance weaves its way into the holonovels of Star Trek: Voyager. Captain Janeway's "Janeway Lambda One" program mirrors works by authors like Henry James, Jane Austen, and Daphne du Maurier, with its mysterious happenings and grand estates. This exploration of romantic literature adds a layer of complexity to the otherwise futuristic series.
Silent cinema showcases the transcendent power of laughter in the Star Trek universe. In the Discovery episode "Forget Me Not," even in the darkest of times, the crew finds solace in watching the classic Buster Keaton film, Sherlock Jr. This scene illustrates the universality of humor, with laughter becoming a means of healing and unity.
Fine art serves as a medium for Lt. Commander Data to explore what it means to be human. Through ceramics classes and painting, Data delves into abstract concepts, echoing the human experience in his creative pursuits.
Music takes on a distinct role in the Star Trek universe as a means of both celebration and healing. From Commander Riker's trombone recitals to Harry Kim's clarinet compositions, instrumental music provides comfort and camaraderie among the crew. The Doctor's opera singing in the Voyager episode "Virtuoso" becomes a unifying force among a newly encountered alien civilization, underscoring the emotional and communal impact of music.
In essence, Star Trek uses art as a means to explore the human condition, reflecting on our past and imagining our future as we venture into the final frontier. Beyond its spacefaring adventures, the series offers a compelling portrait of humanity through the lens of art and culture.
[Source: https://www.pastemagazine.com/arts/beam-up-arts-star-trek-s-continuous-journey-humanity/]
[1] Walker, R. (2022, May 18). Beam Up, Arts: Star Trek's Continuous Journey Through humanity. Paste Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.pastemagazine.com/arts/beam-up-arts-star-trek-s-continuous-journey-humanity/[2] [3] [4] Data from Enrichment Data has been integrated where relevant and useful, providing additional context and background information. For examples of fan fiction and fan art, see [1]. For more information on Star Trek's production design, refer to[2]. For a discussion on the franchise's impact on pop culture and media, see[3]. For insights on the role of music in the Star Trek universe, consult[4].
- In the Star Trek universe, fictional detective Dixon Hill, similar to Dashiell Hammett's characters, represents an intriguing blend of detective fiction and 24th-century Starfleet lifestyle.
- Star Trek: Voyager integrates elements of gothic romance in its holonovels, with Captain Janeway's "Janeway Lambda One" program showing a resemblance to works by authors like Henry James, Jane Austen, and Daphne du Maurier.
- Silent cinema, such as Buster Keaton's Sherlock Jr., becomes a source of solace and unity in the Star Trek universe, as seen in the Discovery episode "Forget Me Not."
- Lt. Commander Data, in his artistic pursuits, uses fine art as a means to explore abstract human concepts, mirroring the human experience in his creative endeavors.
