Alien (signifier)

The alien is a device used in literature to signify elements foreign, ignored, repressed, or marginalized in a given society. The alien can also offer an outside perspective, illuminating the complexities and/or exposing the hypocrisies and irrationalities in a set social norms.

In literature, Shakespeare's "Shylock in The Merchant of Venice" and "Mary Shelley"'s monster in "Frankenstein" are classic examples of the alien. Numerous other examples abound in subsequent literature and film.

In American television, the character of Spock on "Star Trek" presented a celebrated example of the alien.

ee also

*The Other