I happened across a clip of True Detective Season 1 and for some reason it reminded me of the duality of man in the Frederick the Great quote; Every man has a wild beast within him. True Detective Season 1 is generally acclaimed as one of the best shows of all time and I agree.

One of the things that sets apart great shows is their examination of thematic ideas, ideas like every man has a wild beast within him.

The Wild Beast within Marty and Cohle

What I find particularly interesting about the quote in relation to the show is the dual nature in which it is harnessed by Marty and Cohle. Both men are aware of the wild beast but this awareness is quite different.

Marty is not really in control of it and comes out in moments of passion. When his daughters are threatened, when another man looks at his wife or girlfriend. Then it emerges in a generally destructive fashion that is not particularly good for Marty. Not necessarily bad for him but destructive nonetheless.

Cohle, on the other hand, well-understands his wild beast and keeps it under control except when it might be useful. When interrogating those who have information he wants, as an example. He uses the wild beast as a tool; it does not emerge unbidden.

We all have the Wild Beast

Frederick the Great’s quote is accurate. All of us have the beast. Our own physical limitations and moral compass limit how effectively or destructively we apply the wild beast, but it’s undoubtedly there.

Conclusion

I have no real point to this post. I just thought it was a good example of how to use thematic elements in writing. The contrast between Marty and Cohle, along with their similarities is one of the great elements of the show. We might not even recognized this thematic difference between the two when watching the show but on some level we get it, it makes them real, makes them compelling.

Tom Liberman