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Susan Griffin's essay, "Our Secret," intricately navigates the interplay between cellular life, weaponry, and human relationships, employing a nuanced exploration of these themes to shed light on the complex causes and effects within the lives of characters. This analysis unfolds through Griffin's adept alternation between the microscopic realm of cellular function and the historical tapestry of weaponry evolution.
Griffin sets the stage by introducing the central themes that will thread through the narrative—cellular life, weaponry, and their symbiotic relationship with human experiences.
She artfully weaves these elements together, employing a narrative structure that alternates between cellular function and weaponry, creating a tapestry that mirrors the interconnected nature of life.
Griffin's exploration commences with a deep dive into the nucleus of a cell, portraying it as the epicenter, akin to a stone in a cherry, encapsulated within a protective shell. This foundational analogy lays the groundwork for understanding cellular structure. The porous membrane around the nucleus, she contends, is reminiscent of human memory—a selective, porous barrier allowing only certain experiences to permeate.
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In drawing parallels between cellular processes and human actions, Griffin asserts that individuals, like cells, are shaped by their environments.
"The nucleus of every cell in the human body contains the genetic plan for the whole organism" (Our Secret 441). Griffin contends that people, much like cells, base their actions on strong emotions, intricately tying cellular function to the life and development of historical figures such as Himmler. The porous membrane surrounding the nucleus becomes a metaphor for human memory, allowing only specific recollections to traverse.
Despite efforts to control what is remembered or forgotten, every experience becomes an indelible part of the individual's identity.
When delving into weaponry, Griffin draws a poignant parallel between the relentless human pursuit of more powerful and precise weapons and the perpetual evolution of cellular processes. In the quest for superior weaponry, humans, driven by an insatiable desire for dominance, continuously strive for advancements. In contrast, the lack of control over the units constituting human beings mirrors the inherent uncontrollability of cellular processes. Griffin astutely points out that, akin to the intricate relationship between humans and weaponry, individuals are products of their environments.
This concept is exemplified through the life of Himmler, who, despite the potential to deviate from his father's wishes or leave his home, succumbs to the influences of his surroundings, becoming a product of his environment. The events and people present in Himmler's childhood bear significant influence on his actions, underscoring the magnification of these influences as he grows older. Griffin skillfully intertwines cellular function with the growth of weaponry, illuminating the intricate connections within human relationships.
Transitioning to the concept of RNA acting as messengers, Griffin extends the metaphor to the impact of war on individuals. The threads of RNA become symbolic carriers of information, connecting individuals to the broader web of relationships and historical events. Griffin suggests that, regardless of direct involvement in war, every individual is impacted, as RNA-like messengers carry the information forward.
"All the details of the war, the people, and the actions are written down, studied, and talked about. So there is always going to be people (RNA) carrying this information and sharing it with others" (Our Secret). Griffin eloquently encapsulates the idea that humans are intricately woven into a complex web of connections and relationships, with historical events leaving an indelible mark on the collective memory.
Shifting towards the development of newborns' unique cells without human interference, Griffin parallels this natural process with the complexity of human relationships. The assertion that cells, endowed with DNA and RNA, eventually evolve into humans, emphasizes the intrinsic uncontrollability of this transformative journey. Griffin contends that, akin to cellular development, human relationships follow a natural course, evolving without the interference of external forces.
"As the fertilized egg cell starts to divide, all the daughter cells have identical DNA, but the cells soon cease to look alike, and in a few weeks, a number of different kinds of cells can be recognized in the embryo" (Our Secret 450). Griffin elucidates how this natural progression mirrors the diverse paths that human relationships take, guided by their inherent dynamism and complexity. The comparison underscores the organic nature of relationships, challenging any notion of control over their intricate development.
In the synthesis of these profound ideas, Griffin's essay unfolds as a tapestry woven from three distinct yet interconnected narratives. The original essay, the evolution of weaponry, and the intricacies of cellular development collectively illustrate the overarching theme of human relationships. Griffin adeptly navigates the complexities of these themes, skillfully comparing and contrasting cellular life with weaponry, shedding light on the uncontrollable yet interconnected nature of human relationships.
Ultimately, Griffin invites readers to contemplate the profound connections that exist within the fabric of existence. Whether examining the microscopic intricacies of cellular life or the grand tapestry of historical events, the essay serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate dance between the forces that shape us and the indelible marks we, in turn, leave on the canvas of human history.
Threads of Life, Weapons, and Bonds in "Our Secret". (2016, Jul 16). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/susan-griffin-on-weaponry-and-human-relationships-essay
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