I honestly had no idea what to expect from this book since I
have not seen Blade Runner and the title seems odd to me. But, so far, my
reaction is a good one! I’m really enjoying it. I was hooked right away in the
first couple chapters where Deckard and his wife were using their mood organs. Occasionally
it’s a little hard to follow since there are so many unfamiliar terms. It’s
very interesting that animals are a status symbol. It’s also interesting that
there are only two religions, and neither is Christianity. Since this is set in
the “future,” it’s making me wonder what happened to all of the religions we
have in today’s world. The fake police station run by androids was a nice twist
to the story! I can’t wait to find out if Resch is indeed an android. Also,
what’s going to happen with Rachael Rosen? Is she going to help them retire
androids?
That's an interesting thought about the religions. Clearly, the people left on earth needed a "religion" to feel connected, so what happened to the religions of today? Why were they replaced? I think PKD may have been trying to get across with Mercerism, that religion is fake? In his mind, religion is mindlessly following something that doesn't truly exist, but the connections with the people are important. Really great though-provoking post!
ReplyDeleteAlthough the religion is named after Christ, you might note the similarities between Mercer and Christian narratives, with Mercer's (mercy?) followers joining together in an empathic experience of his suffering and persecution. One reviewer compared his trek up the hill to Sisyphus with the stone, but a comparison to Golgotha may be more appropriate--or at least as appropriate.
ReplyDeleteThe nature of the mood organ is also interesting to consider. Ridley Scott turned it into a piano--seeing it as musical "organ." Many people see it as dispensing pills, but a comparison might also be made to something more technologically sophisticated that dispenses music--mood altering music. Hence the dial. Of course, it would need to be much more sophisticated--enabling one to dial a 6-hour depressive mood, for example. !
Oops--I mean, NOT named after Christ.
ReplyDelete