Richard's objects
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(Redirected from Richard Alpert's objects)
In 1961 or 1962 Richard Alpert presented 6 objects to a 5-year-old John Locke as a test. Alpert placed the objects on the table and asked Locke to identify which ones "already belong to him". ("Cabin Fever")
Contents |
Objects
- A baseball glove
- An old book whose cover bears the title "Book of Laws"
- A vial of granular material
- A brass compass
- A comic book, Mystery Tales issue 40 from 1956, bearing the subtitle "What was the secret of the mysterious HIDDEN LAND?"
- A wooden-handled knife
Selections
Locke first selected the vial and the compass. Richard appeared to react with approval. Locke then selected the knife. Richard reacted with disappointment, even anger. He questioned Locke about his selection, but Locke insisted the knife belonged to him. Richard then collected the objects and quickly left.
Cultural references
| Cultural references in Lost (direct references only) |
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| Art • Books • Cars • Games • Movies and TV • Music • Philosophy • Religion and ideologies • Science |
- The test given to young Locke by Richard Alpert resembles the Tibetan Buddhist ritual used to confirm a reincarnated tulku (the Dalai Lama being the most widely known). (Religion and ideologies)
- In the Season 3 DVD commentary for "The Man from Tallahassee", Richard Alpert is described as someone who is not interested in leading the Others but is very influential in finding and selecting a leader. In the commentary for "The Man from Tallahassee", he is described as being similar to a Panchen Lama choosing the next Dalai Lama. He and Ben keep each other in "check" by having the power to pick/veto each other's replacement on the Island. Ben's role would be to pick the next Panchen, should the need arise. This keeps the two in a sort of balanced power relationship. They are allies, yet they have some measure of control over the other should one get out of hand.
Unanswered questions
| Unanswered questions |
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- For fan theories about these unanswered questions, see: Richard's objects/Theories
- What is the significance of these objects?
- What was the correct object(s) that Locke was supposed to choose?
- What is the material in the vial?
- Why did Locke choose the knife?
