I suppose that what is common to nearly all fiction and literature is humanity: human beings interacting with each other or their environment. I have to write "nearly" because it is always possible to think of exceptions. Poul Anderson's
"In Memoriam" begins with the death of the last man on Earth, then recounts the subsequent course of natural events. Anderson's "Earthman, Beware!" is narrated from the point of view of an alien stranded on Earth and his "Terminal Quest" is narrated from the point of view of a native of a human-colonized extra-solar planet. Sometimes in Anderson's Technic History, we read an Ythrian or Merseian point of view. However, since all such beings are self-conscious rational animals, they are clearly based on humanity despite Anderson's skill in imagining alien perspectives. The opening passage of his
Mirkheim describes an ancient supernova but only because of its later consequences for interstellar civilization.
Summarizing the plots of widely dissimilar fictional works, we recognize their common humanity:
in Anderson's The Peregrine, the alien Alori attempt to subvert human nature;
in Stieg Larsson's Millennium Trilogy, a rogue Section of Swedish Security commits murder;
in Susan Howatch's Glamorous Powers, an Anglican Abbot recounts his mystical visions to the Head of his Order.
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
Intelligent, self aware, rational races on different planets should have at least that much in common with each other. How they use such powers will be where mutual alienness becomes obvious.
Considering how Protestantism made such a root and branch attack on, and rejection of the monastic and contemplative life, I still find it strange to come across occasional mention of Anglican monks. Yes, I know, it began in the 19th century, as one of the consequences of the Oxford Movement and the rise of "Anglo/Catholicism" within Anglicanism. But low church Anglicans tended to regard them with hostility, which finally caused some of these Anglican monks to become Catholics.
Ad astra! Sean
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