tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow marx

Jouse Heery

3 min read

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30-11-2024

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Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow: Exploring Marx in Gabrielle Zevin's Novel

Gabrielle Zevin's Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow isn't a direct adaptation of Marx's theories, but it subtly weaves in themes that resonate deeply with Marxist thought, particularly concerning labor, alienation, and the commodification of creativity. While not explicitly stated, the novel offers a nuanced exploration of these concepts within the context of the video game industry. This article delves into these connections, examining how Zevin uses the characters' experiences to reflect broader societal structures and critiques of capitalism.

The Alienation of Labor: Sam, Alex, and the Creative Process

Marx's concept of alienation, a core tenet of his critique of capitalism, finds potent expression in the lives of Sam Masur and Alex Green, the novel's central characters. Their collaborative work on video games, while creatively fulfilling at times, also demonstrates the ways in which capitalist structures can alienate individuals from their labor.

• The Product: Sam and Alex pour their hearts and souls into their games, yet the final product often feels detached from their initial vision. The compromises demanded by publishers, market trends, and corporate interests transform their creative endeavors into commodities, stripping them of personal ownership and artistic control. This reflects Marx's argument that workers are alienated from the products of their labor under capitalism.

• The Process: The grueling, often exploitative nature of the game development process contributes to alienation. Long hours, tight deadlines, and the constant pressure to meet market demands leave Sam and Alex feeling burnt out and disconnected from the inherent joy of creation. This echoes Marx's description of alienated labor, where the worker is reduced to a mere cog in a machine, losing control over their work and its meaning.

• Each Other: The complexities of their partnership, marked by periods of intense collaboration and bitter conflict, also reflect a form of alienation. While their creative synergy is undeniable, their individual ambitions and personal struggles sometimes fracture their bond, creating a sense of distance and frustration.

Capital's Commodification of Creativity: Games as Products, Not Art

Zevin masterfully illustrates how capitalism commodifies creativity. The video game industry, presented as a microcosm of the larger capitalist system, highlights how artistic expression is reduced to a marketable product. The characters' struggles to maintain artistic integrity within the confines of a profit-driven system are central to the narrative.

• The Value of Labor: The novel subtly questions the unequal distribution of wealth and power within the industry. While Sam and Alex create games that generate millions, they don't always reap the commensurate rewards. This disparity underscores the Marxist critique of surplus value—the difference between the value a worker creates and the wages they receive.

• The Illusion of Choice: The characters grapple with the illusion of autonomy within the capitalist framework. They have choices within their work, but these choices are always limited by market pressures and the demands of their employers. They are creative, but their creativity is channeled and controlled by the capitalist system.

Beyond Alienation: Finding Meaning in Connection

Despite the bleak portrayal of capitalist exploitation, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow isn't solely a pessimistic depiction. The enduring friendship between Sam and Alex, despite their struggles, suggests the possibility of finding meaning and connection even within the constraints of a capitalist system. Their collaborative efforts, though often fraught with difficulty, highlight the enduring power of human connection and the importance of shared creative endeavors. This suggests a nuanced perspective—acknowledging the problems inherent in capitalist structures while exploring the resilience of human relationships and the potential for resistance and finding personal meaning within those structures.

Conclusion: A Modern Marxist Tale

While not a direct application of Marxist theory, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow subtly resonates with Marxist ideas about labor, alienation, and commodification. By portraying the experiences of its characters within the context of the video game industry, Zevin offers a compelling and contemporary exploration of these enduring themes, prompting reflection on the societal structures that shape our lives and the ways we find meaning in our creative pursuits. The novel encourages a critical examination of capitalism's impact on creative labor and the ongoing struggle for autonomy and artistic integrity in a market-driven world.