2001: A Space Odyssey: Chapter 41 Summary & Analysis

Falling through the monolith, Bowman wishes he had learned more about theories of trans-dimensional ducts. Though the star-filled walls around him begin to move faster and faster, the end of the tunnel appears to move no closer. He also notices time begins to slow, eventually stopping entirely. Despite all this, Bowman feels no fear. He had traveled millions of miles to find mystery, and now it is “coming to him.” Finally, the end of the tunnel begins to widen, obeying the normal rules of perspective.

Bowman emerges into a world completely alien to the “experience of Man.” Completely devoid of atmosphere, the entire surface of the world appears to be made of “artificial patterns,” covered in shafts identical to the one he just emerged from. Noticing the milky white sky, Bowman feels a profound sense of alienation, confident this was “not a place for Man.” Flying over the barren landscape, he sees the ruin of a giant ship, and is passed—and ignored—by an enormous, needle-shaped golden ship. Suddenly, he descends towards a new shaft and Bowman realizes he must be in an interstellar transportation hub—the “Grand Central Station of the galaxy.”