Published in 1968 "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick, the novel is set in a post-apocalyptic near-future America, which is falling apart, after a nuclear war called World War Terminus.
Animals are almost extinct and keeping and owning animals have become an obsession for the remaining society. The worst thing a human can do is to harm an animal or to feel nothing at the idea of harming an animal. Thus caring for an animal has become symbol of one's humanity. However, because genuine animals are extremely expensive very few people can afford them and so most people are forced towards the much cheaper electric animals to keep up the pretence. To own a real animal is a sign of distinction and prestige.
Before the story's beginning Deckard owned a genuine sheep, but it died, and Deckard had to replace it with an electric one. Deckard's electric sheep leaves him discontent as he yearns for the prestige that would come with the ownership of a real animal.
The novel is arguably as influential and relevant today as when it came out. Its social commentary and critique of a twenty-first century America in the grip of soul-crushing hyper-capitalism can be said to be poignant still. The works of Philip K. Dick and, in particular, Do Androids Dream has attracted a small army of scholars and theorist who have applied everything from psychoanalytical criticism to postmodernism.
However, a Marxist criticism has not been applied to Do Androids Dream so far. Such a reading is the focus of this paper, as I find that there are several reference to Marxist theory. Throughout the novel, Dick provides a profound social commentary through the vision of a near-future dystopian society. Dick vividly demonstrates how consumerism and capitalism can create a society loaded with socialist elements, even in a world that has suffered nuclear war. Through Deckard who contemplates his place in society via his disdain of his electric sheep, Dick forces the reader to consider the importance of material possessions and how they can affect social status. One would assume that material things would have less significance in a world that has suffered a nuclear holocaust, however, Do Androids Dream shows the opposite; namely, a scenario where one's possessions in society are of the utmost importance. To illustrate how a dystopian society would still hold material possessions in such high regard, Dick embeds numerous Marxist elements into his work as h
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Thesis Statement
- Theoretic Framework
- Analysis and Discussion of Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper explores the Marxist elements within Philip K. Dick's novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, arguing that it reflects a rejection of consumerism and commodification. The paper aims to demonstrate how the novel critiques the societal structures and hegemony present in a dystopian future, drawing on Raymond Williams' Marxist cultural theory.
- The novel's critique of consumerism and commodification in a post-apocalyptic society
- The concept of hegemony and its influence on social structures
- The relationship between material possessions and social status
- The role of empathy and its connection to humanity
- The impact of technology on human relationships and identity
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction establishes the setting of the novel, introducing a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by nuclear war and the rise of androids. The novel's protagonist, Rick Deckard, is a bounty hunter tasked with tracking down and "retiring" escaped androids. The chapter highlights the theme of empathy and its role in distinguishing humans from androids, focusing on the Voigt-Kampff test that measures emotional responses.
The thesis statement outlines the paper's argument that Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? can be classified as a Marxist novel due to its critique of consumerism and commodification. The paper will utilize Raymond Williams' Marxist cultural theory, specifically his understanding of hegemony, as a framework for analysis.
The theoretical framework section delves into Raymond Williams' Marxist cultural theory, particularly his concept of hegemony. It explores Williams' definition of hegemony as a complex interplay of cultural, social, and political forces that shape societal values and beliefs.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The main keywords and focus topics of this paper include Marxist theory, consumerism, commodification, hegemony, societal structures, dystopia, post-apocalyptic, androids, empathy, and Raymond Williams' cultural theory. The analysis examines how these concepts are interwoven within Philip K. Dick's Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? to critique the complexities of a future dominated by technology and capitalist values.
- Quote paper
- Martin Lausten (Author), 2016, Dreams of lost humanity? A Marxist analysis of "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/324270
