"Man of science, man of faith" : Lost, consumer agency and the fate/free will binary in the post-9/11 context

In 2004, Lost debuted on ABC and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Its postmodem take on the classic Robinson Crusoe desert island scenario gestures to a variety of different issues circulating within the post-9II1 cultural consciousness, such as terrorism, leadership, anxieties involving air travel, torture, and globalization. Lost's complex interwoven flashback and flash-forward narrative structure encourages spectators to creatively hypothesize solutions to the central mysteries of the narrative, while also thematically addressing archetypal questions of freedom of choice versus fate. Through an examination of the narrative structure, the significance of technological shifts in television, and fan cultures in Lost, this thesis discusses the tenuous notion of consumer agency within the current cultural context. Furthermore, I also explore these issues in relation to the wider historical post-9/II context.

Last Will and Testament of Peter Wright - 18 December 1812

The last will and testament of Peter Wright dated December 18, 1812. Transcription of will is below.

Last Will and Testament of David Brooks, 1822

David Brooks was the acting quarterman of shipwrights in his Majesty’s Dock Yard in Portsmouth. He resided at Ridge Street Halfway Houses in Portsea. He was married to Sally Brooks, who was the daughter of Will Thomas Baker of Kent County. Mr. Baker died on May 11, 1811. David and Sally had 5 children: David, Charles, Thomas, Sarah Ann and Hannah Baker. Mr. Brooks bequeathed all his possessions to his wife Sally. After his wife’s death he wanted his belongings and land to be divided equally between all of his children when they reached the age of 21. He names his wife Sally, and his brother, Isaac Brooks as executors of the will.

Probate of Last Will and Testament - William Smith

Probate of Last Will and Testament of William Smith of the township of Lincoln. Mr. Smith was a farmer. His goods and chattels are left to his children and grandchildren. The document was registered May 9, 1865 - instrument no. 15383 and the original date of the document is January 20, 1856.

Notice of Will - James Middough

Notice regarding the late James Middough that anything concerning his will is granted to William Woodruff and Richard Woodruff (merchants) executors of the will, August 3, 1839.

Probate of Last Will and Testament of Alexander Simpson of Crowland Township

Probate of Last Will and Testament of Alexander Simpson of Crowland Township, January 29, 1872.

Probate (copy) of the Last Will and Testament of Thomas Clark Street of Stamford Township

Probate (copy) of the Last Will and Testament of Thomas Clark Street of Stamford Township. This is a printed copy which is signed by Charles A. Mittleberger, student at law, Oct. 18, 1872.

Statement signed by Hume Blake who has read the will of Joseph Clement and the will of Mary M. Clement

Statement signed by Hume Blake of Toronto (2 ½ pages) who has read the will of Joseph Clement dated May 14, 1810 and has also read the will of Mary M. Clement dated Sept. 10, 1842. He states that the devise to James D. Clement and Joseph Clement is void. “The executor therefore take the personal estate … and the lands devised to James and Joseph Clement descend unencumbered to the heir of the testator Joseph Clement.” This document is slightly burned on the edges but text is not affected. The outer page says “Mr. Hume Blake for Brock Woodruff, May 9, 1845.

Probate of the Last Will and Testament of Joseph Clement

Probate of the Last Will and Testament of Joseph Clement of the Township of Niagara, May 14, 1810 but it is noted that this is a copy of the original will and this copy was filed on Feb. 26, 1815, Nov. 25, 1875. This is accompanied by an envelope addressed to Sheriff Woodruff and postmarked Hamilton, Nov. 25, 1875.

Telegram from Great North Western Telegraph Company of Canada to S.D. Woodruff from L. Cabot stating that the draft for $5000.00 will be forwarded

Telegram from Great North Western Telegraph Company of Canada to S.D. Woodruff from L. Cabot stating that the draft for $5000.00 will be forwarded on Monday or Tuesday, Jan. 16, 1886.

Last Will and Testament of Owen Clifford (copy) of the Township of Grantham

Last Will and Testament of Owen Clifford (copy) of the Township of Grantham, Sept. 23, 1870.

Probate (vellum) of Last Will and Testament of Hervey William Price of Welland who died Jan. 27, 1875

Probate (vellum) of Last Will and Testament of Hervey William Price of Welland who died Jan. 27, 1875. It is proven that the administration of the estate was granted to Joseph Augustus Woodruff, Aug. 19, 1880.

Will of Henry Pellatt

A certified copy of the Will of Henry Pellatt received by Joseph Tait, Registrar, 1905.