Homestuck Exploring Existential Dread And Missed Opportunities

Homestuck, the sprawling webcomic by Andrew Hussie, captivated a massive audience with its intricate plot, memorable characters, and unique blend of humor and meta-commentary. However, beneath the surface of the game-like narrative and witty dialogue lies a thread of existential dread that, in my opinion, could have been explored much more deeply. This article delves into the potential of Homestuck as a vehicle for exploring darker, more unsettling themes, and how leaning into the dread aspect could have elevated the story to new heights.

The Seeds of Dread in Homestuck

From its very beginning, Homestuck subtly introduces elements of existential dread. The core concept of the game, Sburb, involves the destruction of the players' world to create a new universe. This inherent paradox – creation through destruction – sets a tone of unease. The characters, seemingly ordinary teenagers, are thrust into a situation far beyond their comprehension, tasked with playing a game with cosmic stakes. This abrupt transition from mundane life to high-stakes cosmic horror is fertile ground for exploring the characters' psychological responses to unimaginable pressure and the fear of the unknown. Moreover, the glitches, the unsettling imagery, and the constant threat of permadeath contribute to an atmosphere of creeping dread. The meteors falling, the constant sense of urgency, and the characters' increasing isolation all serve to underscore the fragility of existence within the Homestuck universe. These early instances of dread are more than mere plot devices; they are fundamental to the story's underlying themes. The players are not simply playing a game; they are confronting the potential annihilation of their reality and the burden of creating a new one. The weight of this responsibility, coupled with the ever-present threat of failure, should logically lead to intense psychological strain and existential questioning. It is this very strain and questioning that could have been brought to the forefront, adding a deeper layer of complexity to the narrative. Homestuck, at its heart, is a story about choice and consequence, about the burden of responsibility, and about the struggle to find meaning in a chaotic universe. By emphasizing the dread inherent in these themes, the narrative could have resonated even more profoundly with readers. The comic already possesses a devoted fanbase drawn to its complexity and unconventional storytelling. By amplifying the dread aspects, Homestuck could have cemented its position as a truly unique and thought-provoking work of art, a story that not only entertains but also challenges and unsettles.

Opportunities Missed: Exploring Psychological Impact

One of the main areas where Homestuck could have leaned more into dread is by exploring the psychological impact of the events on the characters. While the comic does touch upon themes of trauma and mental health, it often does so through a humorous or fantastical lens. Imagine if the narrative delved deeper into the lasting consequences of witnessing the destruction of one's world, of facing constant threats of death, and of bearing the burden of universal creation. The characters' relationships, their motivations, and their overall outlook on life could have been profoundly shaped by these experiences. For example, John Egbert's initial optimism could have been tested by the weight of his responsibilities, leading to moments of doubt and despair. Rose Lalonde's cynical worldview could have been further amplified by the horrors she witnesses, pushing her to the brink of nihilism. Dave Strider's coping mechanisms of irony and detachment could have been revealed as fragile defenses against deep-seated anxieties. And Jade Harley's innocent nature could have been shattered by the harsh realities of the game. By focusing on the characters' internal struggles, Homestuck could have transcended its surface-level humor and adventure, becoming a more emotionally resonant and psychologically complex narrative. The comic already presents a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique personalities and backgrounds. By exploring their individual responses to the existential challenges they face, the story could have become a powerful exploration of human resilience in the face of overwhelming dread. Furthermore, examining the characters' coping mechanisms – both healthy and unhealthy – could have provided valuable insights into the human condition. The use of humor and irony as defense mechanisms, the development of unhealthy attachments as a means of finding comfort, and the potential for mental breakdown under immense pressure are all themes that could have been explored in greater depth. By grounding the fantastical elements of Homestuck in realistic psychological consequences, the story could have achieved a level of emotional depth that would have resonated with readers on a profoundly human level. This is not to say that Homestuck should have abandoned its humor entirely, but rather that a more balanced approach, incorporating moments of levity alongside scenes of genuine emotional distress, could have created a richer and more compelling narrative experience.

The Potential of Cosmic Horror in Homestuck

Another avenue for exploring dread in Homestuck lies in the realm of cosmic horror. The comic already hints at the existence of powerful, incomprehensible forces beyond human understanding, such as the Horrorterrors and the Vast Glitch. Leaning further into these elements could have injected a greater sense of existential dread into the story. Cosmic horror, at its core, is about the insignificance of humanity in the face of the vast and uncaring universe. It's about confronting the reality that there are forces beyond our control and understanding, and that our existence is ultimately fragile and meaningless. Homestuck's narrative provides ample opportunity to explore these themes. The characters are, in essence, playing a game dictated by cosmic entities, with rules and consequences that they can barely comprehend. The true nature of Sburb, the purpose of the game, and the ultimate fate of the universe are all shrouded in mystery. This sense of mystery, coupled with the potential for unimaginable horrors lurking in the shadows, could have been a powerful source of dread. Imagine the characters confronting the true nature of the Horrorterrors, beings whose very existence defies human comprehension. Or picture them grappling with the implications of the Vast Glitch, a chaotic force that threatens to unravel reality itself. These encounters could have pushed the characters to their limits, forcing them to confront the fragility of their own sanity and the insignificance of their struggles in the grand scheme of things. By drawing inspiration from classic works of cosmic horror, such as the writings of H.P. Lovecraft, Homestuck could have created a truly unsettling and thought-provoking narrative experience. The comic's unique visual style and its willingness to experiment with narrative structure could have been used to great effect in portraying the incomprehensible nature of cosmic horrors. Surreal imagery, unsettling sound design, and a sense of creeping dread could have combined to create moments of genuine terror, leaving a lasting impact on readers. This is not to suggest that Homestuck should have become a purely horror-driven narrative, but rather that the integration of cosmic horror elements could have added a layer of depth and complexity to the story, enhancing its existential themes and creating a more memorable experience.

Thematic Resonance and Impact

By leaning into the dread aspect, Homestuck could have achieved a greater thematic resonance. The story already touches upon themes of fate, free will, and the nature of reality, but a more pronounced emphasis on dread could have amplified these themes, creating a more profound and lasting impact on readers. The characters in Homestuck are constantly grappling with the question of whether their actions truly matter, or whether they are simply puppets of fate. The game's mechanics, with its predetermined paths and seemingly unavoidable consequences, suggest a lack of free will. However, the characters' struggles to defy the game, to forge their own destinies, and to create a better future for themselves and others demonstrate the enduring power of human agency. By exploring the dread that arises from this tension between fate and free will, Homestuck could have offered a more nuanced and thought-provoking commentary on the human condition. The comic could have delved deeper into the characters' anxieties about their choices, their fears of failure, and their doubts about the meaning of their existence. These existential questions, when coupled with the constant threat of annihilation, could have created a powerful sense of dread, forcing readers to confront their own beliefs about fate, free will, and the nature of reality. Furthermore, Homestuck's exploration of the nature of reality could have been enhanced by a greater emphasis on dread. The comic's meta-narrative elements, its constant breaking of the fourth wall, and its playful manipulation of narrative conventions all suggest a world where reality is fluid and malleable. This can be both liberating and terrifying. The characters' ability to alter the rules of the game, to rewrite their own histories, and to create new realities opens up endless possibilities. However, it also raises unsettling questions about the nature of truth, the reliability of perception, and the potential for chaos and destruction. By leaning into the dread that arises from this uncertainty, Homestuck could have become a more profound exploration of the human search for meaning in a world where the very fabric of reality is constantly shifting. Ultimately, the missed opportunity to fully embrace the dread aspect in Homestuck represents a chance to elevate the narrative from a sprawling adventure to a deeply unsettling and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition. The seeds of dread were already present within the story's core concepts, characters, and themes. By nurturing these seeds, Homestuck could have become something truly extraordinary: a comic that not only entertains but also challenges, unsettles, and leaves a lasting impact on its readers.

In conclusion, while Homestuck is a remarkable work in its own right, the potential for exploring existential dread more fully remains a fascinating