What does Brown (2001) identify as the central themes and concerns of the novel? What elements conform to the wider generic features of SF?
Within the given text, Brown (2001) identifies multiple central themes and concerns of the novel. The question of what constitutes a true human being becomes clear throughout the text, and Dick uses stories influenced by his upbringing to help portray the answer (Dick, 1962). The concept of powerlessness explored within the text shares traits with the feelings he had growing up, seeing the death of his 5 week old twin sister due to what he believed was his sister being neglected (Brown, 2001, p.7).
As most SF writers base their stories off their own personal experiences (generally with less crazy stuff going on), the element of a power struggle (‘good’ v ‘evil’) tend to conform to generic features of science fiction. In saying this, Dicks elements do not reflect the stereotypical ‘aliens, precognition, ray-guns’ exactly, however ‘aliens’ could be an evil entity, and ‘ray guns’ a reflection of powerlessness.
Brown, E. (2001). Introduction. In Dick, P.K., The Man in the High Castle (p.v-xii). London: Penguin.
Dick, P.K. (2001; 1962). The Man in the High Castle. London: Penguin.
I like the way you've approached this question. I'm not such a fan of science fiction if anything, but from what I read here, I can at least understand it a bit more, I thought it was effective. Good work Tristan.
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