| In Philip K Dick's 1980 novel, Valis, the main character, Horselover Fat, is living in early 1970s California when a beam of pink light zaps him in the forehead. The beam transmits bizzare theological knowledge to Fat. Believing he has been contacted by God, Fat goes on an inner and outer journey to understand what has happend to him. Has Fat simply gone nuts due to the suicide of a friend and too many drugs, or will he find the savior for whom he seeks? Though driven to attempt suicide in a spectacular manner (without success), it seems nothing can deter Fat (Philip K Dick?) in his quest for spiritual transcendance. | ||
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Plot & Themes Tone of book - cynical or dry-wit FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION? - science fiction story Inner Struggle Yes Plotlet: - search for identity/new understanding Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book Religious overtones? Yes Descript. of chases or violence - 0 % planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 50 % Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 20 % Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 30 % Main Character Identity: - Male Age: - 40's-50's If magical mental powers: - can see into the future Really unusual traits? Main Adversary Identity: - natural phenomena How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - throughout most of the book. Intelligence - Dumb Setting Takes place on Earth? Yes Writing Style Accounts of torture and death? - explicit references to deaths How much dialogue? - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog |
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