Beatrice Lang
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? is a 1968 dystopian science fiction novel by American writer Philip K. Dick. The novel is set in a post-apocalyptic San Francisco, where Earth's life has been greatly damaged by a nuclear global war. The story follows Rick Deckard, a bounty hunter tasked with retiring (i.e. killing) six escaped Nexus-6 model androids. The novel explores themes such as the nature of humanity, empathy, and the impact of technology on society. It has influenced generations of science fiction writers and inspired adaptations in film, television, and comics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Genre | Dystopian science fiction, cyberpunk |
| Format | Novel |
| Author | Philip K. Dick |
| Year of Publication | 1968 |
| Setting | Post-apocalyptic San Francisco, January 2021 (1992 in the first edition) |
| Plot | Bounty hunter Rick Deckard must "retire" (kill) six escaped Nexus-6 model androids; a secondary plot follows John Isidore, a man of sub-par IQ who aids the fugitive androids |
| Themes | Nature, ecology, the collapse of humanity, identity, morality, the relationship between humans and machines |
| Film Adaptations | Blade Runner (1982), Blade Runner 2049 (2017) |
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What You'll Learn
The blurred lines between reality and virtuality
The 1968 novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick explores the blurred lines between reality and virtuality in a post-apocalyptic world. The novel is set in a futuristic 1992 (2021 in later editions) in a post-World War Terminus (or World War III) era, where Earth's atmosphere has become highly radioactive, and most animal species are endangered or extinct.
The novel's protagonist, Rick Deckard, is a bounty hunter tasked with "retiring" (killing) six escaped Nexus-6 model androids. These androids are described as lacking empathy, which is seen as a key element that distinguishes them from humans. The novel delves into the moral complexities of Deckard's pursuit, as the androids themselves are portrayed as sympathetic characters, blurring the lines between the human and the inhuman.
The novel also introduces a unique element of virtual reality simulation designed to enhance empathy in individuals. This immersive experience, comparable to a religious journey, is shared simultaneously by multiple users who can sense each other's presence. This aspect further complicates the distinction between what is real and what is not, as it offers a shared virtual experience that influences the users' emotions and perceptions.
The world-building in Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? is notable for its depiction of a future where the man-made world of machines and artificial constructs is becoming increasingly "alive" or "quasi-alive," mirroring human qualities. This theme is reflected in the novel's exploration of the fine line separating humans from androids, as well as the potential consequences of humans becoming too "mechanical."
The adaptation of the novel into the 1982 film Blade Runner and its 2017 sequel, Blade Runner 2049, further contributed to the exploration of these themes. The film adaptations retained many elements and themes from the novel, including the depiction of a dystopian future and the complex relationship between humans and androids, continuing to challenge our understanding of what is real and what is virtual.
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The nature of humanity
The novel's protagonist, Rick Deckard, is tasked with "retiring" (i.e. killing) six escaped Nexus-6 model androids. Deckard himself is described as a loner who struggles to connect with other people, including his wife. Despite this, he is still capable of empathy, as evidenced by his interest in acquiring an electric sheep. This interest in caring for an animal, whether real or artificial, is presented as a fundamentally human trait.
The androids in the novel, by contrast, are shown to be incapable of empathy, particularly when it comes to the suffering of animals. For example, Priss, an android, cuts the legs off a spider, and Rachael, another android, throws a goat off a roof. These actions are presented as callous and lacking in compassion. The androids' lack of empathy extends to their treatment of humans as well; the novel notes that androids killed humans to escape Mars and flee to Earth. This raises questions about the nature of empathy and its role in defining humanity.
The novel also explores the idea that humanity is defined by our ability to form groups and invest in other members of our group. This is contrasted with the androids' lack of empathy and their willingness to sell out their own kind without a second thought. Additionally, the novel's depiction of a future where most animal life is extinct or endangered adds another layer to the discussion of humanity's relationship with the natural world and our responsibilities towards it.
'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' also delves into the impact of technology on humanity. In the novel, humans have created a world of "machines, artificial constructs, computers, electronic systems, [and] interlinking homeostatic components". This raises questions about the potential dangers of humans becoming too "mechanical" and losing our unique human qualities in a world increasingly dominated by technology.
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The role of religion in the novel
The novel 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' by Philip K. Dick explores the theme of religion and faith through the concept of Mercerism. Mercerism is a shared religious experience that binds humanity together in a world devoid of community and purpose. It centres on the figure of Wilbur Mercer, who endlessly climbs a hill while enduring suffering at the hands of unseen forces. People participate in this collective experience through "empathy boxes", devices that allow them to fuse with Mercer and with each other. This fusion creates a sense of mutual understanding and shared pain, forming the spiritual foundation of Mercerism.
Mercer has been interpreted as a Christ-like figure, enduring suffering for and with the people. At the end of the novel, the protagonist, Deckard, believes he has become Mercer, symbolising mankind's attempt to become godlike and control life and death. This interpretation adds a layer of religious symbolism to Deckard's pursuit of the escaped androids, who are described as "half-sentient" and "non-empathic".
The novel also raises questions about the nature of religion and the truth of spiritual connections. Mercerism has been described as a form of escapism from the cruel world, providing transcendence and meaning to its followers. Some interpretations suggest that Mercerism is an artificially created religion, used as a tool to control the populace. However, even if it was created in a video studio, the spiritual connection and sense of community it fosters among its followers are argued to be real.
The conflict between science and religion is a recurring theme in the novel. As a work of science fiction, 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' explores the struggle between man's conscience and his creations. Deckard, an android bounty hunter, embodies this conflict as he grapples with his morals and questions the correctness of his work. The novel thus engages with the idea of man becoming "mechanical" and the risk of losing what makes life valuable.
In conclusion, 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' utilises the concept of Mercerism to explore the role of religion in a dystopian future. It raises questions about the nature of faith, the value of spiritual connections, and the potential conflict between science and religion. Through the character of Deckard, the novel delves into the ethical implications of a world where the lines between human and machine are blurred.
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The influence of noir fiction
The novel's plot and setting also draw from noir fiction. Set in a post-apocalyptic San Francisco following a global nuclear war, the story reflects the noir influence through its exploration of a bleak and brutal world. The main protagonist, Rick Deckard, is a bounty hunter tasked with "retiring" (killing) escaped androids, further emphasising the dark and gritty nature of the narrative.
The influence of noir is evident in the novel's thematic concerns. The question of what defines humanity and the exploration of empathy, or the lack thereof, in both androids and humans, are central to the narrative. Deckard himself is portrayed as a loner who struggles to connect with others, including his wife. This theme of alienation is a recurring motif in noir fiction, often portrayed through the figure of the solitary detective or investigator.
Additionally, the novel engages with philosophical and existential ideas, reflecting on the relationship between humans and technology and the potential consequences of a mechanised world. This exploration of the blurred lines between humans and machines, and the potential loss of humanity, is a theme that resonates strongly with the noir tradition, often characterised by cynical and disillusioned perspectives.
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The representation of women
The most significant female character in the novel is Rachael, an android who is described as beautiful and seductive. Rachael is owned by Mr. Bryant, who keeps her as a pet or companion. She is described as being "programmed to be ravishingly beautiful and to enjoy sex," and her primary purpose in the novel is to seduce the protagonist, Rick Deckard. Rachael's character is often viewed as an object of male desire, and her lack of agency and independence reinforces the marginalisation of women in the story.
Another female character, Iran Deckard, is Rick Deckard's wife. She is portrayed as emotionally distant and disinterested in her husband. Iran is often depicted as being absorbed in her mood organ, a device that allows her to experience artificial emotions. Her reliance on this machine to regulate her emotions further contributes to the portrayal of women as passive and disengaged in the novel.
The novel also includes a character named Pris, an android who is described as a "basic pleasure model." Pris is portrayed as a sexual object, and her primary function is to provide pleasure to her male owner.
The limited representation of women in *Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?* reflects the gender dynamics and societal norms of the time period in which the novel is set. The female characters are often confined to traditional gender roles, such as being wives, companions, or objects of desire. Their agency and independence are often limited, and they are often defined by their relationships to men.
However, it is worth noting that the novel's exploration of empathy and what it means to be human can be seen as challenging traditional gender norms and the objectification of women. The android characters, despite being marginalised and objectified, often display more humanity than the human characters, blurring the lines between what is real and unreal, and what constitutes life and un-life.
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Frequently asked questions
Set in a post-apocalyptic San Francisco, the novel follows Rick Deckard, a bounty hunter who has to kill six escaped androids. The androids are said to lack empathy, which is what makes them different from humans.
It was written by American writer Philip K. Dick and was first published in 1968.
The 1982 film ''Blade Runner' is a cinematic adaptation of the novel. The film's 2017 sequel, 'Blade Runner 2049', also retains many themes from the novel.
The novel explores themes such as the dangers of humans becoming "mechanical", the role of socialism in an android world, the relationship between real and artificial/virtual companions, and the nature of empathy.
One example is when an android, Priss, cuts the legs of a spider, and another android, Rachael, throws a goat off a roof, showing a lack of empathy for the suffering of animals.
