In the popular web series “Stranger Things,” Eleven, the character played by Millie Bobby Brown, refers to a man named “Papa,” or Dr. Martin Brenner, as her father figure. The relationship between Eleven and Papa is a complicated and tumultuous one, and understanding the reasons behind her use of the term “Papa” requires an exploration of their backstory.
To begin with, Eleven was born with telekinetic powers as part of a government experiment known as Project MKUltra. Dr. Martin Brenner was the lead scientist on the project, and he oversaw Eleven’s upbringing and training in the use of her powers. From a young age, Eleven was isolated from the outside world and raised in a laboratory setting, where she was subjected to various experiments and tests designed to enhance her abilities.
Despite the harsh conditions of her upbringing, Eleven developed a close bond with Dr. Brenner, whom she referred to as “Papa.” This term of endearment likely stems from the fact that Brenner was the only parental figure that Eleven had ever known. He was the one who had taken her in and cared for her, and she saw him as a kind and compassionate father figure.
However, as the series progresses, we learn that Brenner’s motives for taking Eleven under his wing were far from benevolent. He was using her powers for his own gain, hoping to use her abilities to create a psychic weapon for the government. When Eleven discovers this, she feels betrayed and hurt, and she decides to flee the laboratory and go into hiding.
Despite the trauma that Brenner inflicted upon her, Eleven continues to refer to him as “Papa” throughout the series. This is likely because the term holds a deep emotional significance for her. Even though Brenner was not a true father figure, he was the only parental figure that Eleven had ever known, and she may have continued to use the term out of habit or a sense of familiarity.
In addition, it’s worth noting that Eleven’s use of the term “Papa” is also a reflection of her childlike nature. Throughout the series, Eleven is portrayed as an innocent and naive young girl who is just beginning to discover the world around her. Her use of the term “Papa” reinforces this image of her as a child, and it also serves as a reminder of the fact that she never had a chance to experience a normal childhood.
Finally, it’s worth noting that Eleven’s use of the term “Papa” also reflects the show’s larger themes of family and belonging. Throughout the series, Eleven is searching for a place where she belongs, and she eventually finds that sense of belonging with her new family: Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Will. However, despite her new-found family, Eleven’s past continues to haunt her, and her use of the term “Papa” serves as a reminder of the complicated and painful relationship she had with her former caretaker.
In conclusion, Eleven’s use of the term “Papa” to refer to Dr. Martin Brenner in “Stranger Things” is a reflection of their complicated and tumultuous relationship. While Brenner was not a true father figure to Eleven, he was the only parental figure that she had ever known, and the term “Papa” held deep emotional significance for her. Furthermore, her use of the term reflects her childlike nature and the show’s larger themes of family and belonging. Ultimately, the relationship between Eleven and Brenner serves as a poignant reminder of the ways in which our past experiences shape who we are, and how we must confront and overcome our traumas in order to move forward.