Some of you have already asked this: Why must androids be "retired"? (And why that euphemism?)
Other questions:
What's the significance of Mercerism? Why does he ascend the hill, fall into the "tomb world" and then do it all over again endlessly? (Do you know the myth of Sisyphus? Albert Camus thought this myth said more about human existence than any other. What is its relationship to Mercer?) Why is an empathy box necessary in this world?
Does the scene where the Rosen Corp. tries to trick Deckard remind you of any similar shenanigans in contemporary corporate America? (google "VW scandal" for just the latest example)
Why does the "baby hide" question (59) stump Rachael Rosen? What does the empathy test measure?
What is "kipple"?
Why is there a second, parallel police station that seems to know nothing about Deckard's station?
Eric Nash wrote in The New York Times that Dick was "a kind of pulp-fiction Kafka." What does this statement mean?
More questions on "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?"
ReplyDeleteWhat's the significance of Mercerism? Why does he ascend the hill, fall into the "tomb world" and then do it all over again endlessly? (Do you know the myth of Sisyphus? Albert Camus thought this myth said more about human existence than any other. What is its relationship to Mercer?) Why is an empathy box necessary in this world?
I think Mercerism is significant because it’s almost an idea/religion founded by Wilbur Mercer. Everyone looks up to Mercer almost “god-like”, similar to how Christians have Jesus. I think an empathy box is necessary in this world because of the destruction they lived through. I feel maybe because of W.W.T., people’s attitudes would change and they would question what the purpose of life is. The empathy box allows them to connect with Mercer, almost as if they have a sense of self and reason again.
Why does the "baby hide" question (59) stump Rachael Rosen? What does the empathy test measure?
The dials moved frantically but after a pause because it proved that Rachael was an android. The empathy test measures if a subject has empathy through a series of questions. If you have empathy, the dials should not move? I’m not sure if its reversed or not, I forgot.
What is "kipple”?
Kipple is useless objects; its a build up of junk.
Why is there a second, parallel police station that seems to know nothing about Deckard's station?
In my opinion, I thought the second police station was ran by androids and that the workers were all andys.
Eric Nash wrote in The New York Times that Dick was "a kind of pulp-fiction Kafka." What does this statement mean?
I think he meant its a type of genre-written novel that was mass produced.