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Chapter 41
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
Bowman emerges from the second Star Gate into unfamiliar space. Spotting a globular cluster, Bowman realizes how far he is from home: the nearest one from Earth is over a thousand light-years away. The space pod turns and Bowman sees a giant, red sun with a smaller sun—a white dwarf—orbiting it. Bowman then catches sight of an enormous lattice-structure filled with city-sized spaceships. However, closer inspection reveals the former cosmic parking lot to have been abandoned long ago. Bowman wonders sadly if he is caught in some “ancient, automatic trap,” its creators long dead. If so, he has still seen things many would die for. The space pod continues moving; this was not Bowman’s destination after all.
This passage shows the strength of Bowman’s character, even under extremely trying circumstances. Carried along by Star Gate’s mysterious power, Bowman is given a tour of increasingly incredible, albeit alien, sights. However, these visions produce mixed emotions in Bowman. While mesmerizing, the globular cluster serves as a stark reminder of just how distant from home he truly is. Similarly, the cosmic junk heap, while miraculous, raises the uncomfortable possibility that aliens responsible for creating the monolith no longer exist. Despite such frightening possibilities, Bowman remains optimistic, reflecting that many would die to experience what he has.
Themes
