The Manchurian Candidate | Themes & Symbolism

The Manchurian Candidate Significant Topics

Man as Machine

The primary theme of this novel is the idea that a human being can be operated as though he were nothing more than a machine. Using the latest psychiatric theories of conditioning, Chinese doctor Yen Lo brainwashes Raymond Shaw in such a way that he will obey any command, and conditions the other men of Shaw's patrol to believe him a hero. Under Yen Lo's orders, Shaw executes two American soldiers, behaving as an amoral weapon completely devoid of free will. Shaw will go on to perform more assassinations, primarily under his mother's command, but does not remember committing the murders. In other words, the person "Raymond Shaw" is removed from the equation and his body becomes a useful tool, because Shaw is welcomed everywhere as a Medal of Honor hero. This theme is also explored through other characters, such as Raymond's mother and Senator Iselin. The Iselins ingest copious...
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