Analysis
Science fiction is a powerful vehicle for exploring and critiquing contemporary culture and society. Although sci-fi stories are usually set in the future, they often offer commentary for the times in which they are written. By imagining fictional worlds, futuristic technology, and explosive extraterrestrial encounters, writers allegorically represent real-world issues and invite readers to engage them from estranged but relevant contexts.
In "The Wretched and the Beautiful," E. Lily Yu utilizes the idea of alien arrival to address the refugee crisis and societal responses to the unknown. The aliens become symbols, embodying the marginalized and displaced, allowing readers to reflect on their own cultural and societal attitudes toward the unfamiliar. This approach enables a deeper exploration of complex themes and encourages critical analysis of the broader human experience.
The arrival of the "wretched" aliens on a beach—reminiscent of refugees who often arrive by sea—provides an on-the-nose comparison of the troubles faced by those seeking safety in a world grappling with shifting political landscapes and nationalistic sentiments. Notably, the aliens never do anything actually threatening or harmful to the people of Earth. The animosity towards them stems entirely from xenophobia and unfounded fears.
This story was written in direct response to Executive Order 13769, which went into effect early in 2017 and is commonly referred to as the Trump Travel Ban or the Muslim Ban. This executive order sought to restrict the entry of citizens from seven predominantly Muslim countries into the United States. This included several countries experiencing severe humanitarian crises, such as Syria, Sudan, and Yemen. Critics of this executive order point out that it did more to please the nationalistic sentiments of the president’s base rather than accomplish its stated purpose of preventing terrorist entry to the United States.
In addition to the parallels between the aliens in the story and real-world refugees, Yu's exploration of misinformation, fear-mongering, and the consequences of political decisions aligns with the broader discussions around Executive Order 13769. The executive order itself faced legal opposition and criticism for its perceived discriminatory nature, sparking debates about national security, xenophobia, and the humanitarian obligations of nations.
Symbolism permeates the narrative with the contrasting appearances of the "wretched" and "beautiful" aliens serving as potent symbols. The physical characteristics of the "wretched," which are almost human-like but also animalistic, symbolize the “othering” view through which many people often view refugees, seeing them as different to and lesser than themselves. This echoes the plight of real-world refugees who are often dehumanized by those who oppose their arrival.
Conversely, the "beautiful" aliens symbolize an idealized image of human beings. Although they do not intend to stay on Earth in this story, they likely would be welcomed, much the way that immigrants who fully assimilate into their host’s culture would be. While "The Wretched and the Beautiful" is a speculative work of fiction, its thematic exploration of societal responses to aliens serves as a lens through which readers can reflect on real-world issues surrounding immigration policies and their impact on vulnerable populations.
Overall, Yu presents a bleak vision of humanity that extends beyond just the treatment of the interstellar newcomers. The dirty beaches and overfished oceans can be seen as metaphors for humanity's mistreatment of the Earth. This environmental degradation becomes a subtle parallel narrative to the mistreatment of the alien refugees to emphasize a broader commentary on humanity's tendency to neglect and exploit. The juxtaposition of the deteriorated environment with the arrival of aliens highlights the paradox of human priorities. While the characters grapple with the presence of otherworldly beings, the over-exploited planet serves as a silent commentary on...
(This entire section contains 804 words.)
Unlock this Study Guide Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
the misplaced focus and neglect of the immediate and tangible issues facing humanity. More condemnation of humanity is alluded to when the aliens first arrive. The narrator states that:
It was all quite exciting, since nothing out of the ordinary seemed to happen anymore. Gone were the days when acting on conviction could change the world, when good came of good and evil to evil.
This indicates a sense of societal stagnation and disillusionment. It reflects a world wearied by routine and a lack of transformative events. The reminiscence of a bygone era of straightforward moral consequences indicates a collective nostalgia for a time when individuals believed in the power of their convictions to bring about positive change.
The contrast between the current state of affairs and the past suggests a societal shift towards a more cynical and resigned perspective. It highlights the narrative's exploration of societal complacency and the desire for a return to a time when actions and convictions held the promise of meaningful impact. In this way, Yu seems to be pleading for the public to wake up and remember a time when the moral landscape was clearer and individuals felt a greater sense of agency in shaping their world.