Beatrice Lang
In the third chapter of Philip K. Dick's 1982 novel, 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?', protagonist Rick Deckard, an experienced bounty hunter, is tasked with retiring androids. Deckard's worldview is shaped by the assumption that humans have empathy, while androids do not. However, this distinction becomes increasingly blurred as the novel progresses. On his way to work, Deckard admires a real ostrich in a pet shop window but is unable to afford it. He then calls the shop that sold him his electric sheep to inquire about the price of an electric ostrich, which is significantly cheaper. This episode reflects the novel's theme of authenticity vs artificiality, as well as the shame associated with owning something inauthentic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Author | Philip K. Dick |
| Main character | Rick Deckard |
| Other characters | Rachael Rosen, Eldon Rosen, Harry Bryant, Ann Marsten, Dave Holden |
| Plot | Rick Deckard is a bounty hunter who is tasked with "retiring" androids. He uses the Voigt-Kampff test to distinguish between humans and androids by measuring their empathic responses. The novel explores the themes of authenticity vs. artificiality, empathy, and the distinction between humans and androids. |
| Setting | Future after World War Terminus where most animal life is endangered and valuable |
| Film adaptation | Blade Runner (1982) |
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![By Philip K. Dick - Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (2012-02-16) [Paperback]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51s+NVQ6atL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
The value of real vs. fake animals
In the novel 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?', the value of real versus fake animals is a central theme. After World War Terminus, animal life is endangered and considered precious, with the ability to own one a status symbol. This is reflected in the novel when Rick, the protagonist, sees a real ostrich in a pet shop window and is intrigued by its rarity and high price. However, he is unable to negotiate a price he can afford, even with his extra bounty money. This inability to purchase a real animal leads to feelings of shame and inadequacy, reflecting the value placed on authenticity in the novel.
The theme of authenticity is further explored when Rick calls the shop that sold him his electric sheep to inquire about the price of an electric ostrich, which costs significantly less. This highlights the distinction between real and fake animals in the novel and the relative value placed on each. It also raises questions about the ethics of owning fake animals and the implications for empathy and emotional connection.
The Voigt-Kampff test, used to distinguish humans from androids, relies on measuring empathic responses. This test involves asking questions that describe or imply the killing of various creatures, assuming that androids lack human empathy. The novel suggests that the ability to feel empathy is a fundamental aspect of being human, and the consideration of animals in the novel reminds the characters of their own humanity.
The value of real animals is also reflected in the novel's exploration of Mercerism, a widely popular theology where all humans share in each other's victories and defeats. Mercerism is based on the belief that androids lack the ability to possess empathetic joy or sorrow, further emphasising the importance of empathy in distinguishing humans from androids.
Overall, the novel 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' presents a complex exploration of the value of real versus fake animals, with the theme of authenticity and the concept of empathy playing central roles. The rarity and high price of real animals reflect their status as precious commodities, while the consideration of animals reminds the characters of their own humanity and the importance of empathy.
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The significance of the ostrich
The ostrich in *Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?* is a significant symbol of authenticity and rarity. Rick, the protagonist, is intrigued by a real ostrich in a pet shop window due to its rarity and high price. However, he is unable to afford it, which reflects his financial limitations and the shame associated with owning something inauthentic. This theme of authenticity is further developed when Rick calls the shop that sold him his electric sheep to inquire about the price of an electric ostrich, which is significantly more affordable. The ostrich symbolizes the contrast between authenticity and artificiality, a central theme in the novel.
The ostrich also serves as a symbol of Rick's desire for genuine connections and empathy. Ostriches are known for their social nature and ability to form strong bonds with their flock. This contrasts with the androids, which lack empathy and are unable to experience authentic human connections. Rick's interest in the ostrich may reflect his longing for genuine relationships and his struggle to distinguish authenticity from artificiality.
Additionally, the ostrich can be seen as a representation of the value placed on living creatures in the novel's post-apocalyptic world. After World War Terminus, most animal life is endangered, and those that survive are considered precious. The rarity and high price of the ostrich emphasize the value placed on living creatures in a world where they have become scarce. This theme of the value of life is central to the novel and is explored through the treatment of animals and the distinction between humans and androids.
The ostrich also serves as a symbol of the blurred lines between humans and androids. While Rick assumes that humans inherently possess empathy, the novel suggests that this distinction may not be clear-cut. The androids exhibit behaviours that seem more human than Rick gives them credit for, and he even gives them a human-sounding nickname, "andys." The ostrich, as a rare and expensive creature, may symbolize the complexity of defining what it means to be truly human in a world where the lines between humans and androids are blurred.
Overall, the ostrich in *Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?* is a significant symbol that explores themes of authenticity, empathy, the value of life, and the blurred lines between humans and androids. It reflects Rick's character development and his struggle to navigate a world where the distinctions between authenticity and artificiality are not always clear.
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The role of bounty hunters
In the novel 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' by Philip K. Dick, bounty hunters play a crucial role in the narrative and the world-building. The protagonist, Rick Deckard, is a bounty hunter working for the San Francisco Police Department. His primary duty is to "'retire'" androids, which involves killing them. Deckard's boss, Inspector Harry Bryant, is in charge of the bounty hunters in the department.
Bounty hunters like Deckard are tasked with identifying and deactivating androids, specifically the advanced Nexus-6 models, which have become a cause for concern due to their enhanced capabilities. The Voigt-Kampff test, an empathy test, is the primary method used to distinguish between humans and androids. The test measures involuntary responses, such as blushing and eye-muscle reactions, to questions that describe or imply the killing of various creatures. The inability to show empathy is considered a key differentiator between humans and androids.
Deckard's worldview is shaped by the assumption that humans inherently possess empathy, while androids do not. However, as the novel progresses, this distinction becomes blurred as the androids exhibit more human-like qualities than Deckard expects. This blurring of lines between authenticity and artificiality is a significant theme in the novel.
Additionally, the presence of bounty hunters and their interactions with characters like Rachael Rosen, an android who is unaware of her true nature, adds depth to the narrative. It raises questions about the ethics of "retiring" androids, especially when they exhibit human-like qualities and emotions. The bounty hunters' perspective also provides insight into the post-apocalyptic world of the novel, where animal life is endangered and the value of living creatures is emphasised.
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The dangers of Rick's job
Rick Deckard's job as a bounty hunter in *Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?* is a dangerous one for several reasons. Firstly, the very nature of his work involves hunting down and "retiring" androids, which can be risky given the advanced capabilities and strength of these machines. Deckard's predecessor, Dave Holden, was hospitalised after being attacked by a Nexus-6 android, demonstrating the very real physical threat that these androids pose to humans.
Secondly, Deckard's work is emotionally and psychologically taxing. He grapples with the moral implications of his job, especially as the line between human and android blurs. Deckard's worldview is shaped by the belief that humans possess empathy, while androids do not. However, as the novel progresses, this distinction becomes increasingly unclear, and Deckard finds himself questioning his own humanity and that of those around him. This crisis of empathy is a recurring theme in the novel and adds a layer of complexity to Deckard's character, highlighting the psychological dangers inherent in his line of work.
The Voigt-Kampff test, which Deckard uses to distinguish humans from androids, further complicates matters. While this test is invaluable, it may also be flawed. It measures empathic responses, but as Deckard's own empathy for the androids he kills haunts him, the validity of the test comes into question. The test's potential for error is a concern shared by Police Inspector Harry Bryant, who worries that a faulty test result could lead to the wrongful death of a human at the hands of a bounty hunter.
Additionally, Deckard's work requires him to confront powerful corporations, such as the Rosen Association, the manufacturer of the Nexus-6 androids. Going up against such entities can be dangerous, as they have the resources and influence to push back. Deckard's encounter with Rachael Rosen and her uncle, Eldon Rosen, highlights the power dynamics at play and the potential consequences of challenging these corporations.
Lastly, Deckard's job affects his mental health and personal relationships. At the beginning of the novel, he is seen adjusting his mood organ with his wife, indicating that he relies on artificial means to regulate his emotions. This reliance on technology to mask underlying issues is a recurring theme in the novel and underscores the psychological toll that Deckard's job takes on him.
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The theme of authenticity
In the novel 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' by Philip K. Dick, the theme of authenticity is a significant and recurring idea. This theme is explored through the novel's plot, characters, and their interactions with the world around them.
The novel is set in a post-apocalyptic future where most animal life is extinct or endangered, and authentic animals are considered precious and highly valued. This is reflected in the high price of the ostrich that Rick, the protagonist, admires in a pet shop window. Rick, who already owns an electric sheep, is intrigued by the rarity and cost of the real ostrich but is unable to afford it. This unattainability of authentic animals underscores the theme of authenticity and the value placed on it in a world where it is scarce.
Additionally, the novel explores the theme of authenticity through the lens of empathy. It is initially assumed that the ability to feel empathy is unique to humans, while androids lack this capacity. However, as the novel progresses, this distinction becomes less clear, as androids exhibit behaviours that seem more human than Rick gives them credit for. This blurring of boundaries challenges the notion of authenticity and raises questions about what truly differentiates humans from androids.
The owl, which appears in Chapters 4 and 5, also serves as a symbol of authenticity. In contrast to Rick's electric sheep, the living owl represents what is authentic and unattainable. The owl's presence underscores the theme of authenticity and the pursuit of it within the narrative.
Overall, the theme of authenticity in 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' is a complex and multifaceted idea that is central to the novel's exploration of the blurred lines between humans and androids, the true and the artificial, and the authentic and the inauthentic.
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Frequently asked questions
The novel explores the themes of authenticity and artificiality, empathy, and what it means to be human. Rick Deckard, a bounty hunter, is tasked with "retiring" androids, but struggles with the idea that they might have human-like qualities.
The Voigt-Kampff test is a tool used to detect humanoid androids by identifying their lack of human empathy. It measures involuntary blushing and eye-muscle responses, as well as empathic responses to a series of questions.
The ostrich is a symbol of authenticity and rarity. Rick Deckard, the protagonist, is intrigued by a real ostrich in a pet shop window but cannot afford it, so he calls his fake pet shop to inquire about the price of an electric ostrich, which is significantly cheaper.
Yes, the 1982 dystopian science fiction film 'Blade Runner', directed by Ridley Scott and starring Harrison Ford, is based on the novel. A sequel, 'Blade Runner 2049', was also released.
