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Chapter 17
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in 2001: A Space Odyssey, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Collaboration vs. Individualism
Tools and Human Evolution
Space Travel
The Perils of Knowledge
Summary
Analysis
Flying past Mars, Discovery continues its path to Jupiter. The no-man’s-land ahead is filled with millions of asteroids, however, and when Bowman reports for duty, Hal reminds him of their upcoming “approach” to asteroid 7794. The closest encounter asteroid on their journey, 7794 will pass them at only 900 miles away. Bowman asks Hal to point out the asteroid with a targeting device, and first believes Hal is mistaken; it is barely a pinpoint. However, as the distance closes, the asteroid becomes unmistakable, and Bowman and Poole gaze longingly at the only solid land they’ll see on this side of Jupiter. As 7794 passes, Discovery take photos and measurements, shooting it with a projectile and analyzing the explosion.
Bowman and Poole’s surprisingly emotional encounter with asteroid 7794 underscores the extent of their loneliness and alienation aboard Discovery One. Though merely a rock in space, and barely visible, it is the last bit of land they’ll see until reaching Jupiter, and they attach great meaning to it accordingly. Such desperation is a testament to their profound isolation from all things remotely human; in the middle of empty space, a rock is better than nothing.
Themes
