Trystan Casey
The atmosphere in Philip K. Dick's 1968 novel, 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?', is one of a dead and sparsely populated post-apocalyptic Earth. Set in a post-World War Terminus San Francisco, the novel imagines a world where a radioactive atmosphere has caused mass emigrations to other planets, leaving behind a depopulated, sterile wasteland. The novel's protagonist, Rick Deckard, is a bounty hunter who hunts and retires renegade androids, while also dreaming of owning a real, live animal, as most animals are extinct. The novel explores themes of authenticity and what it means to be human in a world filled with artificial constructs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Genre | Dystopian science fiction, noir fiction, cyberpunk |
| Themes | Authenticity, humanity, identity, "the will to live", "empathy", environmental degradation, radiation, colonisation, social status |
| Tone | Dark, humorous, absurdist, ironic |
| Setting | Post-apocalyptic San Francisco, Earth |
| Time | 1992 (2021 in later editions) |
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What You'll Learn
The novel's post-apocalyptic setting
The novel 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' by Philip K. Dick is set in a post-apocalyptic San Francisco, in a futuristic 1992 (2021 in later editions), after a global war that has rendered Earth's atmosphere highly radioactive. The world is a depopulated, sterile wasteland, covered in dirt and dust, and most of Earth's life has been damaged by nuclear war.
The war has caused mass emigrations to colonies on other planets, and most of those who remain on Earth do so because they do not have the means to leave, nor do they pass the genetic or intelligence thresholds that would permit them to live elsewhere. The novel's protagonist, Rick Deckard, is one of those who remain on Earth. He is a bounty hunter who has to "retire" (kill) rogue androids. Deckard's quest to own a real, live animal is a reflection of the status that comes with possessing a rare specimen in a world where most animals are extinct.
The post-apocalyptic setting of 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' is not only a result of the global war but also a critique of the impact of human actions on the planet. The novel's ironic usage of the concept of the Anthropocene highlights the human impact on the non-human world, as well as the valid critiques responding to this impact. This is reflected in the novel's depiction of a dying Earth, where synthetic alternatives have become commonplace, such as synthetic leather and fake food.
The novel's setting also serves as a backdrop for exploring the philosophical themes of the "humanity" of artificial intelligence and the will to live. The androids' emotional struggles parallel those of humans, as they have the emotional development of children in adult bodies. This exploration of the "humanity" of androids and the questioning of what it means to be human are central to the novel's post-apocalyptic setting.
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The impact of the global war
The war's aftermath shapes the very fabric of society and the environment. The Earth has become a desolate and sparsely populated wasteland, with most animal life extinct or endangered. The surviving humans struggle with their sense of humanity in a world dominated by artificiality. The value of real, live animals has skyrocketed, and they are now coveted status symbols. The protagonist, Rick Deckard, longs to own a genuine animal, a desire that underscores the social hierarchy in this future world.
The war's impact on the atmosphere and the subsequent mass emigrations have also influenced the development of androids, which serve as disposable labor for human colonization efforts. These androids possess adult bodies but lack fully developed empathy, mirroring the emotional struggles of humans. The line between human and machine becomes blurred, raising philosophical questions about the nature of humanity and identity.
The global war has also shaped the religious landscape in "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?". The religion of Mercerism, for example, is exposed by androids as a fake, yet it persists, highlighting the complexities of truth and the limitations of artificial intelligence in comprehending certain concepts. The war's aftermath has fostered an environment where questions of authenticity and the human condition are at the forefront of societal discourse.
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The influence of noir fiction
The novel's setting in a post-apocalyptic San Francisco, ravaged by nuclear war and radioactive fallout, further contributes to the noir atmosphere. The constant presence of dust, a detail omitted from the film adaptation, serves as a physical reminder of the devastation and decay that characterises the world of "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?". The lead codpieces worn by male characters to avoid sterility also underscore the harsh and unforgiving environment. This dystopian future, where the line between human and machine is blurred, is a key element of the novel's atmosphere and is a common theme in noir fiction, often exploring the moral ambiguity and ethical dilemmas inherent in a broken world.
In addition to the gritty setting, the plot of "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" delves into the moral crisis faced by Deckard as he grapples with the nature of humanity and the value of life. This internal conflict, a staple of noir fiction, adds depth to the novel's atmosphere, presenting a philosophical undercurrent that questions what it means to be human. The presence of Mercerism, a prominent religious movement in the novel, further explores the complexities of human existence and the search for meaning in a post-apocalyptic world.
"Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" also incorporates elements of surrealism and dark humour, adding a unique twist to the traditional noir framework. The inclusion of electric animals, such as an ostrich and a sheep, injects a layer of absurdity into the narrative, while also serving as a commentary on the value placed on life and the impact of technology on the natural world. The novel's exploration of these themes, combined with its stylistic nods to noir fiction, have influenced generations of science fiction writers and continue to shape the cyberpunk genre.
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The role of empathy
In 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?', Philip K. Dick explores the theme of empathy and its role in defining humanity. The novel is set in a post-apocalyptic world where Earth's atmosphere has become highly radioactive due to a global war, causing mass emigrations to other planets. The protagonist, Rick Deckard, is a bounty hunter tasked with "retiring" (killing) rogue androids. These androids are virtually indistinguishable from humans and possess child-like emotional development, including a lack of fully developed empathy.
Secondly, empathy serves as a catalyst for character development and moral complexity in the novel. As Deckard interacts with the androids, he finds himself developing empathy for them, which complicates his mission. This exploration of empathy challenges the notion of the Other and blurs the lines between humans and androids, as Deckard begins to question his own assumptions and the nature of humanity. This theme of empathy also extends beyond the human-android relationship, as Deckard's wife, Iran, struggles with depression, which cannot be truly alleviated by the Penfield Mood Organ, a device that can artificially induce moods.
The novel's depiction of a world ravaged by war and environmental disaster further underscores the importance of empathy. In a world where most animal life is extinct or endangered, the quest for a real, live animal becomes a symbol of status and a means to cope with the harsh reality. This desire for authenticity and connection in a world filled with artificiality highlights the value of empathy and the need for genuine human interaction.
Overall, the role of empathy in 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' is central to the exploration of what it means to be human and the complexities that arise when humans and their creations become increasingly indistinguishable. By examining the role of empathy, the novel invites readers to consider the importance of emotional connection and the potential consequences of a world devoid of it.
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The Mercerism religion
In this bleak future, Mercerism is a new religion based on the life and teachings of a man named Wilbur Mercer. It has spread across the remaining population on Earth and in the space colonies, through the use of mysterious empathy boxes that appeared after Mercer's death. Mercer's life story is filled with references to myths and religions, such as his climb up a barren hill resembling Sisyphus' task in Hades, and his discovery by his foster parents, reminiscent of Moses' story.
The core tenets of Mercerism revolve around empathy and community. Mercerists believe that their saviour figure, Mercer, will always be with them, even in the most challenging of times. This belief is reflected in Mercer's words: "I lifted you from the tomb world just now and I will continue to lift you until you lose interest and want to quit." Mercerism provides a sense of connection and shared humanity, which is especially important in a world where people are surrounded by artificiality and struggling to retain their empathy.
Despite the comfort it brings, Mercerism is not without controversy. Some characters in the novel, like Buster Friendly, expose Mercer as a fraud, revealing him to be an actor named Al Jerry, whose world was created on a soundstage. However, Mercerism's impact goes beyond its origins, as it provides a spiritual connection and a sense of unity among survivors in a harsh and uncertain world.
Through Mercerism, Dick explores questions of authenticity, humanity, and the role of religion in a technologically-mediated society. The religion serves as a thought-provoking element, adding depth to the novel's exploration of a future where humans struggle to maintain their empathy and sense of self in a world dominated by artificiality.
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Frequently asked questions
The world of 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep' is a post-apocalyptic, sparsely populated Earth with a radioactive atmosphere. It is a dying world, where most animal life is dead or endangered, and the air is highly radioactive. The story is set in a futuristic 1992 (2021 in later editions) after a global war.
The novel is set in a depopulated, sterile wasteland, covered in dirt and dust. It is a cyberpunk dystopia with a noir fiction style. The plot follows Rick Deckard, a bounty hunter in San Francisco, who hunts renegade androids.
The film 'Blade Runner' is considered to be vaguely inspired by the novel rather than a direct adaptation. While the film retains the neo-noir style, the novel's world is richer and stranger, with absurdist humour. The novel's world is also described as a "cyberpunk dystopia," while the film depicts a "sterile wasteland."
The atmosphere and setting of the novel raise questions about human identity and authenticity, exploring what it means to be human in a world where most surroundings are artificial. The novel also examines the emotional struggles of both humans and androids, with the androids' plight paralleling humans' emotional development.
