The last man is a concept that originated in literature and deals with the notion of a solitary survivor in an apocalyptic event It is a common trope in science fiction and other genres that deals with the idea that when all is said and done, only a single individual will remain in the face of some cataclysmic event. This concept has for centuries been analyzed and explored by authors and thinkers as a way of examining the human condition.
The following are five examples of essay topics related to the concept of the last man:
1. The Role of Religion in the Last Man Paradigm: This essay could explore the ways in which religion or religious beliefs might shape someone’s experience while they are the last person on Earth. Does the survivor’s faith inform their actions? Do they cope differently if their faith is strong?
2. The Mental Health Impact of Being the Last Man: In this essay, an analysis could be provided as to how life as the last human might impact a person’s mental health. Does the concept of existing without another living person take its toll? How might the survivor cope with the loneliness and despair that they are likely to feel?
3. The Morality of the Last Man: This essay could look at ethical concerns that arise from the last man scenario. For example, what power does the last man have over their own fate? How does the absence of any other person change the moral calculus for the survivor?
4. The Psychological Effects of Being the Last Man: This essay could provide a psychological examination into the experience of a sole survivor. How will the survivor’s individual emotional responses manifest? What sort of defense mechanisms might the survivor develop?
5. The Ethical Dilemmas of Being the Last Man:A look at ethical issues that arise from a last man situation could be the focus of this essay. For example, is it acceptable for the survivor to do what they need to in order to survive? What boundaries will they be willing to cross in order to carry on?