Summary:
In Flicker Fade Gone by Carljoe Javier, a boy opted to live in the virtual world. He used to
believe that he belonged in every game he played, that he belonged in that type of universe in
general. His mother once discovered him looking at his reflection in the mirror, indicating that
he wanted to vanish, but she was tugged and told to just play with the neighboring kids,
despite the fact that the youngster dislikes it since they ended up leaving him. When his father
took him to the arcade the following time, he discovered his true world, where he felt happy
and secure, unlike in reality, where no one genuinely cared about him.
When they moved to another Country, he got the opportunity to experience being a key holder
in an arcade store. While running the store, he met a girl who draws her interest to the point
that the game no longer fascinates him. Every night, he imagines the girl, flesh to flesh with
him. He awaits the day when the girl needs his assistance in repairing the arcade game, but he
soon realizes that the girl does not recognize him. By that point, he understood he was no one
to others; No one calls him unless they require help with the arcade (machines).
Furthermore, mythic critique is a sort of critical theory that analyses repeating stories or texts.
As I've mentioned, the plot is engaging; there are many interesting sequences, and I was
shocked at the end. There are several symbols, one of which is the key. It represents power.
Key points:
1. The youngster grew up in his neighborhood not being able to blend in, not being
recognized as someone worthy of playing with. His loneliness was filled with being
alone in front of an arcade game screen. He thought he was someone, a hero required
to save people.
2. He finally became a key holder of an arcade store, he does not need to go outside
anymore just to be noticed. He does not need to be someone with a higher social
position or to become someone else because “he is already someone”.
3. As the key holder of an arcade store, he encountered a girl who piqued her interest. For
the first time in his life, he felt her touch. He realized he had the potential to be a hero
outside of the game. He is eager to see her again to the point that he is no longer
captivated by gaming. He fantasized about her being with him, skin to skin, at night. In
reality, the girl does not need him; rather, HE NEEDED HER. He concluded that the
game could not provide "something genuine," something he could feel.
4. He realized the girl didn't know his identity. The realization hit him, and thoughts
raced through his head. Nobody knows who he is. He is only the keeper of the key.
5. He felt hollow as a result of the scenario, so he waited for everyone to go before
returning to his game. He slowly felt himself filling up with becoming someone again.
He can't see his face anymore even though it's reflected on the screen. He gradually
vanishes as he is swallowed by the gunshots he fires.
Connections:
The narrative of Carljoe Javier's "Flicker Fade Gone" helped me to realize the common
feelings of certain individuals nowadays, the desire to escape reality for certain reasons. When
we find ourselves miserable, drained, empty, or lonely, we desire to go away from the
circumstance that is dragging us down. However, many people will never grasp the feeling
and will instead slander you instead of offering an understanding of the situation. In
conclusion, some may not understand the feeling, but we must constantly remind ourselves
that it is only a chapter in our lives, and therefore we must encounter some events even if we
do not deserve them in order to be strong. Be proud, because you're doing great!
