When it comes to the thriller genre, two novels that come to mind are Jaws by Peter Benchley and Devolution by Lars Emmerich. While both novels fall under the same genre and revolve around nature’s wrath, they differ in various ways – from literary style to the reception among readers and critics. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into comparing and contrasting Jaws and Devolution, analyzing their plot structure, character development, themes, settings, and even cultural and social factors that influenced their creation.
Overview of the two novels
Published in 1974, Jaws tells the story of a coastal town named Amity, terrorized by a great white shark. Benchley’s novel was a massive commercial success and spawned one of the highest-grossing films of all time. Devolution, on the other hand, is a 2020 novel that takes place in the aftermath of a volcanic eruption, where survivors must face off against genetically modified prehistoric creatures in a remote town called Greenloop.
Despite being written decades apart, both Jaws and Devolution share a common theme of humans facing off against deadly creatures. However, while Jaws focuses on the fear of the unknown lurking beneath the surface of the ocean, Devolution explores the dangers of genetic engineering and the consequences of playing with nature. Both novels offer thrilling and suspenseful reads, but with different approaches to the horror genre.
Literary style and writing techniques used by Benchley and Emmerich
Benchley’s style is known for its descriptive language and attention to detail, with a focus on building suspense and terror. Emmerich also leans towards descriptive language but focuses more on the action and horror elements of the story. Both authors have a knack for keeping the reader on the edge of their seats and creating tense atmospheres.
In addition to their writing styles, Benchley and Emmerich also incorporate themes of environmentalism and the consequences of human actions in their works. Benchley’s novel “Beast” explores the impact of overfishing and the destruction of marine ecosystems, while Emmerich’s film “The Day After Tomorrow” depicts the catastrophic effects of climate change. Through their storytelling, both authors bring attention to important environmental issues and encourage readers and viewers to consider their own impact on the planet.
Analysis of the plot structure in Jaws and Devolution
Jaws follows a classic three-act structure, with the first act introducing the characters and setting while the second act builds up the tension, leading to the climax of the third act. Devolution, however, takes a more unconventional approach, with multiple perspectives and timelines woven together to create a complex web of events leading up to the final confrontation.
In Jaws, the first act serves to establish the peaceful and idyllic setting of Amity Island, while also introducing the main characters, including Chief Brody, Quint, and Hooper. The second act then builds up the tension, as the shark attacks become more frequent and the characters struggle to come up with a plan to stop it. Finally, the third act sees the characters embark on a dangerous mission to hunt down the shark, leading to a thrilling and satisfying conclusion.
On the other hand, Devolution takes a more experimental approach to plot structure, with multiple timelines and perspectives that gradually converge towards the climax. The story follows several characters who are all connected to a mysterious research facility in the Pacific Northwest, where they encounter a tribe of Sasquatch-like creatures. As the characters’ stories unfold, the reader is gradually drawn into a web of conspiracy and horror, leading to a shocking and unexpected finale.
Character development in both novels
While Jaws mostly centers around police chief Martin Brody’s battle against the shark, it also delves into the perspectives of other characters affected by the ongoing disaster. Devolution’s characters are more diverse, with a stronger focus on the protagonist Kate’s personal growth as she faces deadly odds against the creatures.
In Jaws, we see Brody’s character development as he overcomes his fear of the water and takes charge of the situation. He also learns to trust his instincts and make tough decisions for the safety of his community. In Devolution, Kate’s character development is more nuanced as she confronts her own weaknesses and limitations while adapting to the harsh wilderness. Her experiences also challenge her beliefs and values, leading to a deeper understanding of herself and the world around her.
Themes explored in Jaws and Devolution
Jaws touches on themes of greed, fear, and man’s relationship with nature. Devolution explores the darker side of human nature and the power dynamics within society. Both novels talk about human vulnerability and the consequences of actions taken by individuals and society as a whole.
In addition, Jaws also delves into the theme of leadership and the responsibility that comes with it. The character of Chief Brody is forced to make difficult decisions and take action to protect his community, despite the resistance he faces from other authority figures. Similarly, Devolution examines the theme of survival and the lengths that individuals will go to in order to protect themselves and their loved ones in a dangerous and unpredictable world.
A comparison of the settings and environments portrayed in the two novels
Jaws takes place in a lovely coastal town, which is a departure from the usual wilderness setting of most thrillers. Benchley uses the setting’s tranquil facade to create a sharp contrast with the terror that ensues, playing up the idea that even the most idyllic setting can hold danger. Devolution’s setting is a cramped and isolated town, surrounded by dense forests and prehistoric creatures that inspired fear and anxiety in its inhabitants.
Despite the differences in their settings, both novels use their environments to create a sense of isolation and vulnerability for their characters. In Jaws, the vastness of the ocean and the town’s small size make it difficult for the characters to escape the threat of the shark. Similarly, in Devolution, the dense forests and lack of resources make it nearly impossible for the characters to defend themselves against the creatures. Both novels also use their settings to comment on humanity’s relationship with nature and the consequences of disrupting the natural order.
Impact of cultural and social factors on the creation of Jaws and Devolution
Jaws’s success can be attributed to a surging public fascination with sharks and the ocean in the 70s, as well as the timeless appeal of a man-vs-nature story. Devolution’s popularity can be linked to current concerns about genetic modification, climate change, and isolationism in society.
Another factor that contributed to the success of Jaws was the innovative use of music in the film. The iconic theme song, composed by John Williams, created a sense of tension and suspense that added to the overall impact of the movie. Additionally, the casting of relatively unknown actors, such as Roy Scheider and Richard Dreyfuss, helped to create a sense of realism and authenticity in the film.
Devolution’s popularity can also be attributed to the rise of the eco-horror genre, which explores the consequences of human actions on the environment. The novel’s themes of genetic modification and climate change reflect growing concerns about the impact of technology on the natural world. Furthermore, the book’s portrayal of a secluded community that turns on itself in the face of danger can be seen as a commentary on the current political climate of isolationism and division.
Reception of Jaws and Devolution among readers and critics
Jaws was received positively by audiences and critics alike, becoming a cultural icon and spawning an entire multimedia franchise. Devolution, while well-reviewed, is yet to have the lasting cultural influence that Jaws enjoyed.
Despite the lack of cultural impact, Devolution has been praised for its unique take on the horror genre and its exploration of themes such as environmentalism and the dangers of technology. Some critics have even compared it favorably to Jaws, citing its ability to create tension and suspense through its vivid descriptions of the natural world.
However, others have criticized Devolution for its slow pacing and lack of character development. While Jaws had memorable characters such as Chief Brody and Quint, Devolution’s cast of characters has been described as one-dimensional and forgettable. This has led some readers and critics to question whether Devolution will have the same lasting appeal as Jaws, or if it will fade into obscurity like many other horror novels.
Conclusion: Which novel is a better thriller read?
While both novels are excellent in their own right, it ultimately boils down to personal preference. Jaws is a classic of the genre, with its timeless appeal and iconic imagery. Devolution, on the other hand, is a fresh take on the genre, incorporating modern themes and cultural anxieties into its narrative. Whichever novel one chooses to delve into, they can expect to be taken on a thrilling ride of suspense and terror.