The Monster under the Bed: Why Robert is the Legend in 'I Am Legend'

In the world created by Richard Matheson in his iconic novel 'I Am Legend', the roles are entirely reversed. Robert LaMcerrai, originally a 'normal' human, finds himself in a world dominated by vampires. The real monsters are not the supernatural beings he encounters, but the new society that he represents: the last normal human.

Robert as the New Monster

When Robert awakens from his initial bout with the plague caused by the virus, he finds that the world has changed drastically. The vampires, once the exotic and frightening other, now dominate the landscape. Robert, on the other hand, is the anomaly. He exists during the day, raping and smashing through vampire’s dens, hunting and eliminating them wherever he can find them.

This shift in perspective is a profound one. In a world where even the concept of a 'normal' human has been redefined, Robert, who has become the monster under the bed, is both the marginalized figure and the one who dares to stand against the darkness. He represents not just the hunted, but the hunter who exploits the weaknesses of his former kin.

It is Robert's relentless pursuit of the vampires that solidifies his place. Unlike the vampires, who fear each other due to familiarity, Robert is the last unchanged human. He is the exception, the one who does not belong in this new society. His actions are both heroism and folly, as he seeks to protect a concept that no longer exists in the world he lives in.

The End of Humanity

In a world where Robert is the last known human to survive, each vampire sees him as the ultimate threat. Their survival and their very way of life depend on the continued existence of Robert as a scapegoat and a source of fear for their young. In this new world, Robert, though a lone human, becomes a legend, a tale to be passed down through generations - a legend that will instill fear in children, much like the vampires of this new civilization instill fear in him.

Matheson’s novel takes the classic vampire trope and subverts it. Instead of the vampires seeing Robert as the monster, the readers are presented with the idea that Robert is the one who has become the monster legend. His actions and his very existence are what generate the fear, much like the way species that went extinct are remembered as legends.

Legacy and Impact

The novel not only reimagines the vampire trope but also explores themes of survival, identity, and the consequences of human survival. Robert’s story is a haunting reminder of what it means to be a normal human in an abnormal world. The book serves as a cautionary tale about the shift in society and the creation of new monsters, even in the face of extinction.

Richard Matheson’s 'I Am Legend' is a masterpiece of science fiction that has stood the test of time. His characters, especially Robert, are deeply flawed and deeply relatable. The novel has inspired numerous adaptations, each with its unique interpretation. The Vincent Price and The Last Man on Earth versions, despite their own merits, are the most faithful to the source material. Conversely, Will Smith's version, while well-intentioned, fails to capture the essence of Matheson’s work, transforming the vampires into zombies rather than maintaining their supernatural origins.

Matheson’s writing has influenced countless authors and filmmakers, making 'I Am Legend' a legend in its own right. From the screens of the cinema to the pages of literature, the novel's impact is undeniable. It remains a compelling exploration of what it means to be human in a post-apocalyptic world.

Conclusion

The ending of 'I Am Legend' is a powerful reflection of the shifting roles of good and evil. Robert, the last normal human, becomes the legend in a world where vampires are the new order. His story is not just one of survival but one of fear, transformation, and remembrance. When the final chapter is turned, the legend of the 'last man' begins, a legend that continues to haunt the minds of readers and viewers alike.