One of the reasons I really appreciated Beaudrillard's use of Disneyland as a metaphor for the simulation and hyperreal is because it ties in really nicely with a trend that I've noticed in our literature this semester, and something I pointed out during our TVS discussion. When talking about the hyperreal and Disneyland Beaudrillard emphasizes the microcosm. One of the key characteristics of a microcosm is its complete isolation from reality (in said microcosm's defining respect). This plays a large role in the success of a simulation because in order to be "convincing", the hyperreal must be fully separated from the real.
All the books (and films) we've read this semester use various methods to construct their own microcosms (in fact Nabokov argues thats what makes a piece of literature great -- that it can create a world entirely separate from reality). The characters we've gotten to know are delusioned because they are unable to escape said microcosm, and this is why it is so easy for them to buy into the simulation. I mean, just imagine leaving a 5 year old in Disneyland and then taking him out when he's 25... it's the happiest place on earth and all, but he's gonna be pretty messed up.
Anyways, good luck on your presentations this week! :)
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