Kristeva also examines the concept of defilement-- another theme prevalent in The Matrix. Some examples of this motif are obvious: the plugs in the arms and head that allow the machines to connect an individual to the matrix and the implanting of the tracking "bug" into Neo during his interrogation by agents in the matrix. The bug is removed before Neo's first meeting with Morpheus. But even after his liberation from the system, Neo is still defiled. In fact his ejection from his battery pod begins his ritual of purification. But even after his physical separation from the matrix, he must undergo further purification. Immediately after his ejection from the matrix, Neo is still able to move and see because he is connected the system. But once the cables are disconnected, he is unable to control his movement or use his eyes effectively. Morpheus and Dozer must rebuild his muscles. Neo must learn to see again.

Even when the majority of his plugs have been removed, Neo is still not "pure." Morpheus must take him into the Construct to show him "the desert of the real." Because Neo cannot yet accept what Morpheus shows him, he exits the Construct repeating, "I don't believe you. Get away from me." He is still contaminated by the illusion of the matrix. In fact, his reaction is so intense that he vomits on the deck of the ship-- a visceral manifestation of his defilement.

His purification is linked closely with his acceptance of himself as a messianic figure. When he is able to leave his matrix-imposed identity of Thomas Anderson behind, Neo moves closer to purification and apotheosis. This inner journey is highlighted by Neo's visit to the oracle. Before he enters the oracle's apartment, Morpheus warns him, "I can only show you the door. You must walk through it." Neo must accept his place in the revolution and utterly reject the matrix to complete his ritual of purification. Once he does so, he is able to transcend the computer programming and control the matrix.

But each time they enter the system, the revolutionaries are at risk of becoming defiled once again. When he is captured, Morpheus is subjected to treatments meant to break his will. Once this happens, he will give the agents the computer codes to the Zion mainframe willingly. Tank reveals to Trinity and Neo that, like successful hacking, breaking Morpheus' mind is only a matter of time.

Interestingly, the human characters are not the only ones in danger of being defiled. Agent Smith claims to suffer a similar experience as a result of his tenure in the matrix. As he interrogates Morpheus he shares a revelation: "You humans are not mammals. You're a virus, a disease." According to Smith, the computers are the cure. But the struggle has gone on for so long that the agent has begun to feel tainted. He explains: "I hate this place, this zoo. It's the smell. I feel saturated by it. I can taste your stink. And every time I do, I feel I have been infected." The sentient program sees one opportunity for purification or rebirth: He must eliminate the resistance and get into the Zion mainframe. Only then can Agent Smith be purified and released from his duty within the matrix.

Abjection • Duality • Defilement