The Beastly Truth: Why "Beasts" is a Conservative Masterpiece

Imagine a world where the raw, untamed forces of nature are not just a backdrop but a central character. That's exactly what you get with "Beasts," a novella that takes place in a dystopian future where the line between man and beast is blurred. Written by Joyce Carol Oates, this novella was published in 2001 and is set in a small New England college town. The story revolves around a young woman named Gillian who becomes entangled in a web of seduction and manipulation by her charismatic professor and his equally enigmatic wife. But why should conservatives care about this seemingly liberal artsy tale? Because it’s a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked liberal ideologies and the chaos they can unleash.

First off, "Beasts" is a brilliant critique of the liberal academic elite. The novella exposes the moral decay and intellectual arrogance that often festers in the ivory towers of higher education. The professor, Andre Harrow, is a perfect embodiment of this. He’s a man who uses his position of power to exploit and manipulate his students, all while hiding behind a facade of intellectual superiority and progressive ideals. This is a clear warning about the dangers of placing blind trust in so-called "experts" who claim to know what's best for society.

The novella also serves as a stark reminder of the importance of personal responsibility. Gillian, the protagonist, is initially drawn to Harrow and his wife because they offer her an escape from her mundane life. However, as she becomes more entangled in their world, she realizes that she is losing her sense of self. This is a powerful message about the dangers of abandoning personal responsibility in favor of fleeting pleasures and the allure of charismatic leaders. Conservatives have long championed the importance of personal responsibility, and "Beasts" is a perfect illustration of why this value is so crucial.

Another reason why "Beasts" resonates with conservative values is its exploration of the destructive power of unchecked desires. The novella delves into the dark side of human nature, showing how unchecked desires can lead to chaos and destruction. This is a theme that conservatives have long warned about, arguing that a society that indulges every whim and desire is doomed to fail. "Beasts" serves as a chilling reminder of what can happen when people abandon self-control and give in to their basest instincts.

The setting of the novella also plays a significant role in its conservative appeal. The small New England college town is a microcosm of the larger society, and the events that unfold within it serve as a warning about the dangers of allowing liberal ideologies to take root. The town is a place where traditional values have been abandoned in favor of progressive ideals, and the result is a community that is teetering on the brink of collapse. This is a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving traditional values and the dangers of allowing liberal ideologies to run rampant.

Finally, "Beasts" is a testament to the power of storytelling. Joyce Carol Oates masterfully weaves a tale that is both captivating and thought-provoking, forcing readers to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature and society. This is a hallmark of great literature, and it’s something that conservatives can appreciate. In a world where the mainstream media often pushes a liberal agenda, it’s refreshing to find a work of fiction that challenges the status quo and encourages readers to think critically about the world around them.

In short, "Beasts" is a conservative masterpiece that offers a powerful critique of liberal ideologies and the chaos they can unleash. Through its exploration of the dangers of unchecked desires, the importance of personal responsibility, and the moral decay of the academic elite, the novella serves as a cautionary tale for our times. So, if you're looking for a thought-provoking read that challenges the liberal status quo, "Beasts" is the perfect choice.