HUM 203: The World in Motion, Animation in Theory and Practice

Assignment 1

Assignment 2

Final project

“A Finished Game” appears to be a simple children’s cartoon but it is in fact a statement about how freedom in action is a more creative use of time than directed labor. In the cartoon, the Rabbit, who represents one who is constrained by industrial society, is unoriginal devotion to labor, while the Turtle, who is free, chooses to be creative in his use of time, deciding his own fate with every step. Although the Turtle experiences difficulties, ultimately it is he, not the Rabbit, who accomplishes his goals, because the Turtle’s goals are self-inspired, while the Rabbit’s goals are delivered from above.

Because society is so used to “industrial time” where productivity is king, and time is constantly being divided and measured for efficiency, the issue of freedom is almost trivial, a child-like dream to some. Because of this, one must look beyond one’s conditioned responses and limited perceptions to understand and appreciate freedom in life. In a related manner, one must look beyond the simple design to find the obscured message.