Is the Whisperer or the Emergency symbolic?

Question

In *The Mysterious Benedict Society* series, the Whisperer is a machine that transmits thoughts and implants messages in people's brains, usually harmful. And the Emergency is the tense, stressful situation artificially created by the Whisperer that doesn't actually exist. Are either of these symbolic?

Answer 1

Both the Whisperer and the Emergency are symbolic. Trenton Lee Stewart uses the Whisperer to represent the corrosive power of media. From advertising to the messages promoted in television shows and the news, media is constantly manipulating its viewer. The Whisperer's messages are transmitted through television, which points to the media symbolism. Furthermore, the messengers are soothed and flattered by the Whisperer's manipulations, much like how modern media often attempts to flatter its viewer with messages like "You matter, you're beautiful, it's your choice, etc." If you do some research on advertising, you can see the ways that companies use positive, Whisperer-like messages to make viewers feel special and complacent.

When people are distracted by "the Emergency," they are not acknowledging real problems. In fact, the Emergency helps distract people from the Emergency's very source - the LIVE School and it's leader. This symbolizes how global leaders attempt to distract people from the real problems at hand, allowing themselves to remain in power. The media is a key tool that these leaders use to manipulate people's attention, much like how the Whisperer is what fosters the Emergency.

I hope this helps! Feel free to message me if you have any more questions.