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Chapter 46
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
The Earth floats before the Star-Child like an irresistible toy. On its surface, alarms flash and telescopes search the skies for the disturbance; it is the end of history as humans know it. The Star-Child becomes aware of human weaponry becoming active, and though it poses no threat to him, he wants a clean sky. Through force of will alone, he destroys the “circling megatons.” Then he waits, thinking about how to use his powers. He is “master of the world,” but he is still unsure what he wants to do. However, there is no doubt that he will think of something.
Despite his transformation, the Star-Child does not seem to have transcended humanity’s fundamental shortcomings, particularly its abusive relationship to knowledge and power. While he does intervene to destroy Earth's nuclear arsenal, preventing nuclear war, his motivation seems to stem more from a preference for a "cleaner sky" than from genuine benevolence. Echoing Moon Watcher’s patronizing, violent treatment of One-Eye upon discovering the use of weapons, the Star-Child now sees Earth in much the same light— a "glittering toy” on which he can test his new powers. This raises the question of whether the Star-Child’s stint as "master of the world" will bring peace to war-torn, tribalistic humanity, or merely repeat the errors of the past.
Themes
