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Similes
Chapter 10
Explanation and Analysis—The Power of Tools:
In the beginning of 2001: A Space Odyssey, readers learn that tool-making is ultimately what saves the early species of man-apes from extinction. The gradual evolution of these simple tools into destructive weapons is an example of situational irony.
Although early man-apes survived by focusing on basic necessities like food and shelter, they could not grow into advanced societies until they learned to produce tools for farming, construction, and fighting. These tools influenced their capacity to create languages and cultures. From there, humans gained the ability to assert dominance over each other and establish competing groups. However, over millions of years, tools evolve into weapons. With the invention of nuclear power and its spread across the globe, human beings in the novel's present are vulnerable to possible mass destruction as a result of the evolution of tools—which, of course, once saved the entire human race. This situational irony first appears in Chapter 10, when Floyd appears concerned over the state of nuclear affairs on Earth:
But their tools would not be ax and gun and canoe and wagon; they would be nuclear power plant and plasma drive and hydroponic farm. The time was fast approaching when Earth, like all mothers, must say farewell to her children.
In 2001: A Space Odyssey, heightened technology and destructive capabilities separate modern tools from their ancient predecessors. However, the fact remains that modern technologies would cease to exist without the inventions that came before them—as Floyd reflects when he compares "ax and gun" to "nuclear power plant and plasma drive." What once saved humans will eventually destroy them: an instance of situational irony commented upon throughout the novel.
Floyd's anxieties mirror the anxieties of the novel and its time period. Ultimately, this quotation refutes the idea that technological evolution produces linear benefits to humanity. As Floyd realizes, it's possible for humans to take tool-making too far and ironically turn what was once an advantage into an imminent threat.
Related Themes:
Chapter 31
Explanation and Analysis—Bowman's Human Interest:
In Chapter 31 of 2001: A Space Odyssey, David Bowman ultimately forgives Hal for betraying the mission of Discovery One and, in the process, killing Bowman's fellow astronaut, Frank Poole. Although Hal is a computer system with a rapidly advancing artificial consciousness, Bowman forgives Hal as he would forgive a fellow human. "If it could happen to a man, then it could happen to Hal; and with that knowledge the bitterness and the sense of betrayal he felt toward the computer began to fade," writes the narrator. This moment displays Bowman's remarkable level of human empathy, even for a non-human entity. However, as the narrative progresses and Bowman becomes more isolated as he travels through space, he ironically becomes less interested in humanity:
During the last three months, David Bowman had adapted himself so completely to his solitary way of life that he found it hard to remember any other existence. He had passed beyond despair and beyond hope, and had settled down to a largely automatic routine [...]
After Bowman forgives Hal—possibly recognizing the importance of exhibiting such human emotions in an increasingly automated world—he appears to become less human and more automated in his solitude. This is an instance of situational irony because the reader might reasonably expect Bowman to move forth after forgiving Hal with a renewed sense of awareness toward humanity’s importance in the universe. However, he does the opposite. Consumed with solitude in a largely silent universe, Bowman attempts to maintain a routine and sense of normalcy, but his feelings of both despair and hope cease to exist. This moment displays the impact of space travel upon the human psyche and the ironic fate of Bowman. In his attempt to express humanity towards a computer, he adopts the automated, emotionless characteristics of the artificial system itself.
Related Themes:
