Ok, looks like I'm the first post. I'm about 2/3 into the book and so far it's very interesting.
I'd like to address the question of Super Race/ Manifest Destiny. Weston, of course embodies the idea of super race/ manifest destiny. Its pretty easy to make the paralelles between Weston and the idea of Nazi Germany's one superior race. At times Weston seems a bit archaic as this kind of blatnet verbalization of super race theory is not in current fashion with the western world and in general frowned upon in "polite" company. Instead we now have more subtle forms like abortion, wars in the name of "whatever", class distinction (economically disadvantaged, working poor, middle class, college educated, wealthy, political eliet, etc) that do the job of weeding out those pesky, less desired types. Sure these things existed in Lewis' time but today we have a more politcally correct lexicon that makes us all feel much better about the atrocities we continue to inflict on those weaker or different from us.
I found it interesting that much of Ransom's early experiences on the new planet were trying to find out the political landscape of the plant. Who was the dominating power? It really took him some time before he could even grasp the concept that different races could live together without strife or the need of competing or dominating political power.
However, Oyarsa found Devine's greed a far worse and more dangerous desire. Oyarsa said that if he had jurisdiction over Weston he would try to heal him of his narrow mindedness but he would kill Devine. Weston's misguided and ingnorant theory was from a rooted desire to improve humanity. Devine's greed served only himself.
As Ransom continues his journey he experiences increasing shame and embarrassment over humanity. When the Sorn showed Ransom the earth from the telescope it was "the bleakest moment of his travels." He even suggests to the Oyarsa that he kill him, weston and devine as humans were a threat to the peaceful existence of the plant.
Hey, any thoughts on the human names. Weston, Ransom, Devine?
Amber, I notice this post is around three o clock in the morning. Reason?
ReplyDeleteDo you have any ideas on the symbolism of the names? You have read the book through once, as I did last year. My posts wil be examining the book in sections and themes, as this question you posed about the names. You win for completing first. I don't think any of us have matched you in the wee hours of the morning.