Rusty Fears 6 - Canned Lights by Autumn Olson
The Magnus Archives
Deep Dive
What is the main theme of the short horror story 'Canned Lights' by Autumn Olson?
The story explores themes of overwork, darkness, and infestation, focusing on a protagonist who discovers a miraculous darkness that consumes cockroaches and eventually their coworkers, as a means of escaping the crushing monotony of their life.
How does the protagonist in 'Canned Lights' describe their work environment?
The protagonist describes their work environment as a windowless cubicle with constant fluorescent lighting, seven-day work weeks, and a soul-crushing monotony that leaves them feeling like an automaton.
What triggers the protagonist's first 'miracle' in 'Canned Lights'?
The protagonist's first 'miracle' is triggered by their disgust with the cockroaches infesting their apartment and their own dehumanizing existence, leading them to turn off the lights and experience a darkness that consumes the cockroaches.
What happens to the protagonist's coworkers in 'Canned Lights'?
The protagonist uses the miraculous darkness to consume their coworkers, believing they are saving them from the suffering of their monotonous, overworked lives. The coworkers disappear without a trace, leaving only scratches and blood behind.
What is the significance of the darkness in 'Canned Lights'?
The darkness represents a form of salvation for the protagonist, a way to escape the dehumanizing effects of their environment. It consumes both cockroaches and coworkers, offering a release from suffering, though it is unclear where they are taken.
What is the purpose of the public poll mentioned in the shownotes?
The public poll allows listeners to vote for their favorite short horror story from the Rusty Fears 6 series. The winner will have the opportunity to write a case featured in *The Magnus Protocol*.
What is HiNi, the podcast advertised in the transcript?
HiNi is a supernatural horror podcast on the RQ Network, featuring an atmospheric, analogue-style audio drama with themes of folk horror, mythology, and urban supernatural terrors. It follows Mari, a Filipina immigrant in Toronto, as she handles supernatural threats.
What are the key features of Sucrebae perfumes?
Sucrebae is a women-owned, vegan, and cruelty-free perfumery offering unique fragrances like 'You're in a Cult, Call Your Dad' and 'Vodka and Swearing.' Their scents are categorized into Classic, Goth, Witchy, Nerdy, and Femme, appealing to a wide audience.
- Overwork in a windowless cubicle
- Infestation of cockroaches
- Narrator's hatred for artificial light
Shownotes Transcript