The Sean Station

The Force

Like Star Wars, Lost is built around the concept of an invisible, pervasive, and powerful force. Although it's never directly referred to by the characters, this force interacts with every person, animal, and plant on the show. It interacts with at least some of the show's inanimate objects, too (such as the roman dagger, and the rocks that make up the Island).

This force has two sides. The two sides are opposite in nature, despite having come into existence at the same time and from the same source.

The "dark side" of the force is associated with uncertainty, changeability, disorder, and a lack of self-direction.

The "light side" of the force is associated with certainty, consistency, order, and self-direction.

The Dark Side

When they are dominated by the dark side of the force, characters on Lost feel much like we do when we're find ourselves in actual darkness.

In the dark, we tend to feel uncertain of ourselves. We can't make sense of what we see because shape-changing shadows keep messing with our perception. We struggle to find order in our surroundings, so we fumble around for anyone or anything that will help us find our way.

The dark side of the force has a similar effect on the characters on Lost. When they're under the influence of the dark side, characters feel less certain of themselves, show inconsistency in thought, perception, and behaviour, have a sense of disorder, and seek guidance from others.

The Light Side

When they are dominated by the light side of the force, characters on Lost feel a lot like we do when we use a flashlight, or enter a well-lit room, or stroll in bright daylight.

In the light, we tend to be more certain of ourselves. Without shape-changing shadows to muddle our vision, we are safe to assume that our perceptions are consistent with reality. With the benefit of light, we can perceive the order of things around us and, as a result, feel little need for someone else to guide us.

The light side of the force has a similar effect on the characters on Lost. When they're under the influence of the light side, they feel certain of themselves, show consistency of thought, perception, and behaviour, have a sense of order, and feel little need for external guidance.