The third author that I'd like to introduce in my blog post is Philip K. Dick. One of his most famous novels is “Blade Runner: Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?”. This story is much different from the previous ones I mentioned. First of all it's not a myth-based fairy tale about magic, brave heroes, good and evil; the main plot is set in future, in a grim, dark, postapocalyptic world.
Why would I mention such a story next to “Peter Pan” or “The Lord of the Rings”? Isin't it different? Of course it is different, but still I believe analyzing that kind of literature might help us understand why people create imaginary worlds.
The world described in this novel is heavily damaged by wars and pollution. Most types of animals are endangered or extinct due to extreme radiation poisoning. Humans are afraid to loose their humanity, because of body and mind deterioration. Advanced technology is used to develop and sustain empathic skills which are meant to be the essence of being a human.
The main character is a bounty hunter of androids. He tracks and destroys fugitive androids on planet Earth. But as he progresses his mission he's starting to wonder if the androids are really only machines?
I believe the whole story is meant to make us think about what qualities, if any, are unique to or are able to define what is human and make readers question their own humanity. Some may say that it's obvious and there's no point in trying to define humanity. But is it really that simple?
OMG! I am delighted his work! The best writer of our times! "A Scanner Darkly", "The Minority Report", "We Can Remember It for You Wholesale" - the best writer of our times!
ReplyDeleteI’m not so sure if I would like to escape to the imaginary world from the Blade Runner, but I’ve seen the movie and it was great.
ReplyDeleteRafal: would you rather like to escape to the imaginary world from the Disaster Movie? I'm pretty sure i'd like to escape to imaginary world from the Bolt for few moments;)
ReplyDeleteWhat I love regarding this books that they make quite good movies on the base of it.
ReplyDeleteAnd games ;p
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mov3CuU81LM&feature=related
Tell me what is humanity if it is so obvious ;)
Andrzej: "Disaster Movie" sucks ;q
I don't have anything to add on this topic - I have never read this book and seen this movie...
ReplyDeleteFantasy world is not for me - I don't have anything to escape from... I like my life the way it is. And what about you - s4140?
This is this kind of fantasy that I do not like.. Blade Runner and all the stories about vampires is not for me..
ReplyDeleteNever read these books and generally don't like fantasy... but there are some exceptions. As Jacek said movies based on these books where quite good and I really enjoyed watching them.
ReplyDeleteWell this kind of fantasy doesn’t appeal to me. I tried to read those, but I hardly could go through, just not my type of literature. However, it does look great when converted into movies. I also agree that such stories also tell something about us, our fears, values etc. Books we choose also tell something about ourselves. I wonder, what does it say about me that I don’t enjoy this kind of stories;)
ReplyDeleteFantasy worlds make easier a difficult task of asking unanswerable questions. Imagine a peasant sitting in a stable asking a plow 'What is the meaning of life, universe and everything?' and suddenly the plow answers '42'. Hilarius, isn't it. Compare this situation to the one from Hitchhikers Guide to The Galaxy and you find the conversation much more acceptable.
ReplyDeleteI love Blade Runner and Dick books. In my opinion blade runner's vision of future is terrifying but possible. Everybody should watch this movie and try read the book!!
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