Simulacra- Part 1

This week I read The Simulacra chapters 1-8. Some things I am noticing that PKD likes to include in his stories are government control, mystery, suspense, advanced technology, and the harshness of reality. It took me a little bit to get into the story, but I really like it. It's interesting how PKD introduces his characters one piece at a time, rather than giving their whole life stories and connections right away; it adds suspense. I am really intrigued by the government and society in the novel. Lately in a women's poetry class I am taking, we have been discussing feminism and the oppression of women in today’s society, and the fact that everything is controlled by the First Lady seems really interesting. I love that PKD brought history into the novel with Hitler and WWII. I’m excited to see what happens with the time machine and going back to that time period. It’s also noteworthy that they would want it to be illegal to practice psychoanalysis. I am very curious to see where that leads and what happens with the pianist and his body odor phobia (I find this hilarious). The side story with Vince and his brother and his ex-wife is great; I love the love triangle, although their idea of marriage and divorce is freakishly similar to how our society’s is. Marriage doesn’t seem to be on the same pedestal as it once was. Can’t wait to read more!