Does Anyone Remember a Television Play About a Machiavellian DJ?
The closing episodes of The Sopranos are filled with ominous imagery and apocalyptic themes, drawing heavily on W.B. Yeats’ poem “The Second Coming.” While the poem lends depth to AJ Soprano’s nihilistic struggles, it also paints a picture of Tony Soprano as a destructive force, a “rough beast” embodying societal decay. This symbolism extends beyond the characters, reflecting a broader cultural decline linked to environmental degradation and unchecked capitalism.
The episode opens with a stark visual: illegal dumping juxtaposed with a sign urging responsibility for pet waste. This irony underscores the series’ critique of a society prioritizing profit over environmental well-being. Tony, adept at exploiting this system, embodies this moral bankruptcy.
The series subtly weaves nature into its narrative. Tony’s interactions with the natural world are often limited and superficial, highlighting his detachment from a grounding force. This alienation from nature parallels the characters’ moral decay and the broader societal disconnect from ecological consequences.
The degradation of the New Jersey landscape mirrors the corruption of the characters’ souls. The series suggests a link between the desecration of the environment and the erosion of cultural values. This resonates with the concept of genius loci, the spirit of a place, and its vulnerability to destructive forces.
Tony’s transformation throughout the series culminates in his depiction as a malevolent figure. His initial portrayal as a flawed but relatable character gives way to a more sinister presence. This descent aligns with the concept of a false prophet leading to societal ruin. AJ, in turn, becomes a “second coming” of Tony, perpetuating this cycle of destruction.
AJ’s suicide attempt, a pivotal moment in the episode, is both tragic and darkly comedic. His botched attempt symbolizes his shallow understanding of life’s complexities. Tony’s rescue of AJ provides a poignant moment of connection but ultimately fails to address the underlying issues driving his son’s despair.
The series finale reinforces the theme of cyclical destruction. Tony and AJ, both lost and morally compromised, walk down a hospital corridor. This visual echoes Yeats’ poem, depicting them as “rough beasts” slouching towards an uncertain future. The closing scene, scored with a haunting lullaby, underscores the tragic consequences of their choices.
While the main narrative focuses on the Sopranos, a parallel storyline depicts escalating tensions between the New Jersey and New York mafia families. This conflict mirrors the larger themes of societal breakdown and impending doom, foreshadowing the violent climax of the series.
