Control: A Deep Dive into the Theme of Never Far Gone (NFG)
Control plays a vital part in how we operate on a day-to-day basis, but in Never Far Gone (NFG), it often serves as a means to achieving a larger, seemingly impossible goal that would otherwise remain unobtainable without unwavering influence. As with most things in life, Control has its limitations, but what happens when we lose our grasp on it? What happens when others get a taste for it themselves and start to realize just how beneficial it can be to helping them achieve their own goals? Join us as we explore just how crucial Control really is in the post-apocalyptic world.
Warning: This article may contain Spoilers! The following article is recommended for those who have completed Never Far Gone (NFG) OR who have a firm understanding of the events that take place throughout the story.
What is Control in Never Far Gone (NFG)?
In the most basic sense, Control refers to a person’s ability to “exercise restraining or directing influence over” someone(s) or something. In the case of Never Far Gone (NFG), however, Control alludes to humanity’s seemingly insatiable desire to advance their own personal agendas. Whether merely to stay alive or to gain complete control of entire districts, many characters seen throughout Never Far Gone have a purpose and/or aspiration they want to achieve. Although some can be considered more noble than others, how far the characters are willing to go to achieve such power varies greatly depending on the following:
Past experiences
Personality
View on Morality
The relationship between Control and Morality in Never Far Gone (NFG)?
Morality is a critical focus throughout the story and is often interlinked with Control due to the freedom it buys the character who wields it. With no restrictions on behavior or social norms to conform to, those who exhibit an outstanding amount of control in Never Far Gone (NFG) often become more of who they truly are.
A character’s behavior, moral or otherwise, can dictate how they obtain control over others, but the same goes vice versa; Control, once it’s obtained, can lead one further down the Path of Redemption or the Path of Corruption. Ultimately, the personality and end goal of the character will dictate the direction of the moral compass they will inevitably walk down.
“The serum amplifies everything that is inside. So, good becomes great. Bad becomes worse.”
Example: As Miles Gether oversees the acquisition of the Power Control Center (PCC) in Lower Manhattan, as well as the decision he makes to establish a trade network with various groups of survivors throughout the boroughs, the Thrivers successfully consolidate an enormous amount of control within the city. On the other hand, one might argue that such overtaking the PCC (which is an arduous feat, to say the least) was only possible due to the weapons and connections obtained following the events leading up to the creation of the Thrivers.
Although Miles had to carry out a plethora of seemingly cruel decisions to make such an operation possible (such as Murder), one might argue that the prosperity that followed thereafter (ie. an increase in safety within the Consulate, more commodities, etc.) ultimately even out on the moral spectrum.
The relationship between Control and Consequences (ie. The Butterfly Effect)
Ever heard of the movie The Butterfly Effect starring Ashton Kutcher (2004)? Or played video games such as Until Dawn, Heavy Rain, or Detroit: Become Human? If so, you may have a firm understanding of how the Butterfly Effect works in regard to the decisions we make throughout our lives.
For those unfamiliar with the concept, the Butterfly Effect refers to the idea that “small, seemingly trivial events may ultimately result in something with much larger consequences.” When we take a closer look at Never Far Gone (NFG), there are numerous events that ultimately shape the future of Miles Gether and the Thrivers. Some of those most crucial moments are as follows:
The decision to take over the Power Control Center (PCC)
The decision to spare Graham Whitlock
The decision to Expand the Thrivers’ influence outside of the city (ie. Upstate)
“We don’t know how far the ripples of our decisions go. We kill one, and maybe save a thousand. ”
Although there are a variety of reasons why some of these choices are made in the first place, such as Greed, the events that followed each of these decisions could’ve ultimately been altered if a different choice had been made in its place; like an innocent butterfly that flaps its wings in one country, only to affect the wind in another. This is the power of the Butterfly Effect.
For more insight into how the Butterfly Effect is seen throughout the story, as well as a deeper look into alternative endings for Never Far Gone (NFG), check out our article on it here.
Why is the Theme of Control so important in NFG?
Throughout various sources of apocalyptic fiction, there is usually a large emphasis on the seemingly everlasting invulnerability of a character and/or characters who obtain even the smallest amount of power. The same can be said when talking about the predictability of those who wield influence in a story, as well. This could be illustrated in a variety of ways:
A specific person/group always comes out on top in the long haul when faced with adversity (ie. Never loses)
Character Invincibility due to their plot armor (I’m looking at you, John Wick…)
Implementing Stereotypical Qualities within the members of a group (ex. Heroism, etc.)
Predictable Plots and/or Courses of Actions that a character
“No one is in control...”
Never Far Gone (NFG) was designed with this in mind, and ultimately strives to “change the norm” regarding the idea of Predictability and Control within a zombie apocalypse. As such, no character in NFG is invulnerable (Game of Thrones fans, beware!) and every decision that is made drastically changes the future.
What are the Alternative Themes of NFG?
While Control is the Central Theme of Never Far Gone (NFG), other messages are being conveyed throughout the story, as well, such as the following:
Every action has consequences, even if they’re not readily apparent.
People will remember who you are by what you do
Power doesn’t always lead to success
Greed can overpower even the most rational individuals
While these underlying concepts are important and shouldn't be overlooked, Control is consistently referred to from the perspective of Miles Gether. When faced with life-altering decisions, Miles will usually hear the word Control in his mind. Consequentially, these events play a critical role in the rise and fall of one of NFG’s most prominent factions.
Conclusion
Overall, there are plenty of Themes and hidden messages plastered throughout the story of Never Far Gone (NFG).
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Sources
Merriam-Webster. “Definition of CONTROL.” Merriam-Webster.com, 2019, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/control.
Chandler, Nathan. “What Is the Butterfly Effect and How Do We Misunderstand It?” HowStuffWorks, 7 Aug. 2020, science.howstuffworks.com/math-concepts/butterfly-effect.htm.
