Who is Mr. Glass in Split: A Fractured Reflection of Identity and Destiny

The enigmatic character of Mr. Glass in Split serves as a fascinating lens through which to explore themes of identity, destiny, and the human psyche. While Split primarily focuses on Kevin Wendell Crumb and his multiple personalities, the mention of Mr. Glass ties the narrative to the larger Unbreakable universe, creating a web of interconnected stories that challenge our understanding of heroism and villainy. This article delves into the significance of Mr. Glass, his role in the broader narrative, and the philosophical questions his existence raises.

The Unbreakable Connection

Mr. Glass, also known as Elijah Price, is a character introduced in M. Night Shyamalan’s Unbreakable (2000). Born with a rare condition that makes his bones extremely fragile, Elijah becomes obsessed with the idea of finding his polar opposite—someone who is unbreakable. This quest leads him to David Dunn, a security guard who survives a catastrophic train crash unscathed. Elijah’s journey is one of self-discovery, but it is also a descent into villainy as he orchestrates tragedies to prove his theory.

In Split, Mr. Glass is not physically present, but his influence is felt. The film’s post-credit scene reveals that Kevin’s story is part of the same universe as Unbreakable, setting the stage for Glass (2019), where the three characters—David Dunn, Kevin Crumb, and Elijah Price—finally converge. This connection elevates Split from a standalone psychological thriller to a piece of a larger narrative puzzle.

The Fragility of Identity

Mr. Glass’s physical fragility mirrors the fragility of identity, a theme central to Split. Kevin Crumb’s dissociative identity disorder (DID) results in 23 distinct personalities, each vying for control. This fragmentation of self is a stark contrast to Elijah’s singular, albeit fractured, identity. While Kevin’s condition is psychological, Elijah’s is physical, yet both characters grapple with the limitations imposed by their bodies and minds.

Elijah’s obsession with finding his opposite can be seen as a quest for wholeness. In a world where he is perpetually broken, he seeks validation through the existence of someone unbreakable. This mirrors Kevin’s struggle to reconcile his multiple identities into a cohesive self. Both characters are searching for a sense of completeness, albeit through different means.

The Role of Destiny

Destiny is another theme that ties Mr. Glass to Split. Elijah believes that his purpose is to find and confront his opposite, a belief that drives his actions throughout Unbreakable. This sense of destiny is echoed in Split through Kevin’s transformation into “The Beast,” a personality that believes it is the next step in human evolution. Both characters are driven by a belief in their own significance, a belief that shapes their actions and ultimately their fates.

The idea of destiny raises questions about free will and determinism. Are Elijah and Kevin merely following a path laid out for them, or do they have the agency to change their destinies? The films suggest that while their conditions may predispose them to certain behaviors, their choices ultimately define who they are.

The Duality of Heroism and Villainy

Mr. Glass complicates the traditional notions of heroism and villainy. In Unbreakable, he is the antagonist, yet his actions are driven by a desire to understand his place in the world. Similarly, Kevin in Split is both a victim and a perpetrator, a man struggling with his mental illness while also posing a threat to those around him. This duality challenges the audience to empathize with characters who are traditionally seen as villains.

The convergence of these characters in Glass further blurs the lines between hero and villain. David Dunn, the unbreakable hero, must confront both Kevin and Elijah, forcing him to question his own role in this triad. The film suggests that heroism and villainy are not absolute but are instead shaped by perspective and circumstance.

Philosophical Implications

The inclusion of Mr. Glass in the Split narrative invites a deeper exploration of philosophical themes. The concept of the self, the nature of identity, and the role of destiny are all central to understanding these characters. Elijah’s journey is a meditation on the human condition, a reflection on what it means to be broken and how we seek to mend ourselves.

Kevin’s story, on the other hand, is a psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of the human mind. His multiple personalities represent different facets of the self, each with its own desires and fears. The interplay between these personalities raises questions about the nature of consciousness and the extent to which we can control our own minds.

Conclusion

Mr. Glass is more than just a character; he is a symbol of the fragility and complexity of human identity. His presence in the Split narrative enriches the story, adding layers of meaning and connecting it to a larger universe of themes and ideas. Through Elijah Price, we are invited to reflect on our own identities, our destinies, and the choices that define us.

Q: How does Mr. Glass’s condition affect his worldview?
A: Elijah’s osteogenesis imperfecta makes him physically fragile, leading him to believe that he is the opposite of a hero. This belief drives his obsession with finding someone unbreakable, shaping his actions and his understanding of his place in the world.

Q: What is the significance of the post-credit scene in Split?
A: The post-credit scene reveals that Split is part of the Unbreakable universe, setting the stage for Glass. It connects Kevin Crumb’s story to Elijah Price’s, suggesting a larger narrative about the nature of heroism and villainy.

Q: How does Split explore the theme of identity?
A: Split delves into the theme of identity through Kevin Crumb’s dissociative identity disorder. His multiple personalities represent different facets of the self, raising questions about the nature of consciousness and the extent to which we can control our own minds.