Alternate Universe

(Portals To Alternate Universes, Artwork is a photograph by Science Photo Library which was uploaded on March 6th, 2014.)

Imagine you wake up every morning to find you're living in another world, the only thing that stays the same is the love for your partner. In John Mighton's Possible Worlds, this is protagonist George Barber's reality.

So what exactly is an alternate universe? Well, the theory originates in Issac Newton's book Optics published in 1704. In it he makes a major statement which still has scientist today trying to prove it. "And since Space is divisible in infinitum, and Matter is not necessarily in all places, it may be also allow'd that God is able to create Particles of Matter of several Sizes and Figures, and in several Proportions to Space, and perhaps of different Densities and Forces, and thereby to vary the Laws of Nature, and make Worlds of several sorts in several Parts of the Universe. At least, I see nothing of Contradiction in all this." (Isaac Newton, Opticks, Query 31; Newton 1730: 379-80.)

Basically what Newton said was, "Since space is made up of so much stuff that we don't understand yet, it's possible that there are other created worlds similar to our own." He then goes on to make the biggest mic drop of the 17th century by basically saying, "There's no evidence to prove me wrong so..."

Ever since then scientist, physicist and mathematicians have been trying to either prove or disprove Newton's theory of alternate universes. Stephen Hawking, probably the most well known physicists of the 21st century, expressed his belief that there are in fact a number of parallel universes (Hawking, Cambridge University, 2018). Hawking's final paper proposes a way in which to tame the multiverse. He then goes on to explain that we are not as unique of a universe as we have been lead to believe. Thanks Professor Hawking. Read more about Hawking's theory here: https://www.engadget.com/2018/05/03/stephen-hawking-last-paper-published-on-multiverse-theory/

But what exactly is an alternate universe? For now it is a hypothetical group of universes which exists simultaneously with our own. In these other possible worlds the reality we know could be altered. An alternative reality where anything and everything about your life can be altered. Every decision you have ever made is being played out by you in an alternate universe.

If that's pretty confusing to wrap your mind around, there is a lot of different examples which can help you better understand the concept of alternate universes. One of the best examples of alternate universes is through art mediums, for instance:

Marvel's Doctor Strange Film, 2016.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSzx-zryEgM

The tag line of this trailer is, "The reality you know is one of many", a strong statement inviting the audience to being to explore the theory of alternate universes.

This concept of the know reality being one of many is the main theme explored in John Mighton's Possible Worlds. Protagonist George Baker wakes up each morning to find that he is in a whole new reality. Some elements of his life stay consistent, for example his job as a broker. However, one this that is constantly being altered is his relationship with his wife. In some realities they are complete strangers and he has to try to get her to fall in love with him all over again.

(https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/stage/2015/07/17/possible-worlds-at-stratford-festival-is-intoxicating-review.html)

Imagine having to see the person you love, and having them be completely unaware of the impact they have had on your life. This must be devastating for George. To be able to interact with his wife but for her to see him as a stranger, his heart must be in a constant state of brokenness. We see this best when George is faced with his wife leaving him in one reality, his only response is: "You were the only one... In every world."

Mighton's genius writing style allows the audience to feel George's pain, while ensuring that we are rooting for him to convince his wife to be with him in every world. Seeing the characters of George and Joyce interact in these new worlds can seem a bit repetitive at first, but as the plot expands the desire for the happy ending becomes even more important in the audience's perspective. However, in alternate universes even our worst nightmares have the possibility of existing. As George expresses, love is infinite, and it is up to us to search for a world in which our lives can have full meaning.

For further reading to get your mind ready to explore the possible worlds around you please see the following: