Identity and the Prestige

In relations to our readings, The Prestige focuses on the question of identity. As Locke mentions, it is impossible for a being to be located in the same area. Yet, that question of identity is exactly what fuels the feud between the two men. If one person cannot exist twice, how does one solve the mystery of the transporting man? Similar to Locke’s writings, each magician is shown a beginning to their tale. Then, there is a turning point in the story where they both become something extraordinary, an extension of themselves, which muddles harshly with their identity. Finally, they each realize how simple identity truly is by breaking down their own tricks and revealing how they could exist twice. 

Locke also acknowledges the consciousness as an important part of identity that exceeds everything else. Locke states, “…without consciousness there is no person.” If a person has conscious thoughts of their past events, then they are arguably the same person, in Locke’s theory. In this case, both men have a sense of identity that is interrupted. Due to their circumstances, they have a specific, separate identity. Angier’s clones are able to have his exact thoughts and characteristics. As for Borden, his twin takes over his life during some points, and mixes the meaning of having two, separate identities. Locke also mentions how this consciousness commits people to their actions; therefore, justifying actions (e.g., rewards and punishments) taken against them. Without going into too much detail, there is a pattern of punishments throughout the movie that the magicians impose upon each other. 

However, this sentence had me curious, what would Locke have thought about the death penalty? One of the many arguments for people on death row is that they consciously knew what they were doing. They cannot separate their identity from the crime that they have committed. The only time that courts rule for separation of identity and crime is in cases of mental illnesses. Would it be possible for Locke to fit into this rationale? Again, he states that a mentally conscious person deserves consequences related to their actions. Would he provide exceptions for those whom commit crimes while under the influence of mind-altering drugs? 

In the video below, National Geographic provides insight into how addiction triggers the reward system. This constant search for a high has contributed to crime as shown by the Bureau of Justice statistics here. In my opinion, I think that Locke might have agreed to the idea of public punishments, such as jails, but I am not entirely sure he would have been in agreement with death. Overall, I have to agree with Locke, that consciousness plays a big role in identity. Conscious processing takes place in the human mind, even on simple terms. It makes sense to me that the conscious mind, identity, and actions all come together as one. Still, I think that drug usage and brain effects should be studied more before automatically allowing criminals off the hook.