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Chapter 14
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Humanity and Empathy
Reality vs. Artificiality
Alienation
Religion and Faith
Consumerism
Summary
Analysis
Rick, feeling both physically and emotionally drained after retiring three androids, decides to stop at an animal dealership on his way home. His encounter with Resch and the emotional weight of his work have left him questioning his own identity and his ability to continue as a bounty hunter. To combat these feelings and restore a sense of purpose, he purchases a live black Nubian goat with his bounty money. Rick chooses the goat over other animals because of its resilience and practicality, despite the hefty financial burden it imposes.
Rick’s purchase of the Nubian goat is an attempt to reconnect with life and purpose after a day full of destruction. The goat’s vitality stands in contrast to the lifelessness of the androids he has retired, providing Rick with a tangible symbol of hope. The choice of a real, living animal over an electric one is not just a financial risk but an emotional gamble, as he anchors his sense of worth and humanity on its existence. The weight of this decision speaks to his fragile state, as he tries to counteract the emptiness of his profession.
Themes
When Rick arrives home, he immediately leads Iran to the roof to show her the goat. Initially annoyed that he made such a major purchase without consulting her, Iran quickly grows excited when she sees the animal. She inspects the goat carefully, confirming its authenticity, and is overjoyed at the idea of finally owning a real, live animal. Rick explains that his decision to purchase the goat stemmed from a need to counter the existential despair brought on by his work. Iran, though concerned about the financial implications, is deeply moved and suggests they tether the goat temporarily while they think of a name for it. Iran’s enthusiasm helps Rick feel a sense of validation for his decision, and the couple briefly bonds over their shared happiness.
Iran’s shift from frustration to joy shows how deeply the presence of a real animal can affect her emotionally. Her excitement reflects a shared longing with Rick for something genuine in their lives, which have been dominated by artificial constructs. The goat thus becomes more than just an animal. It’s a momentary bridge between them, rekindling a connection their routines have dulled. This interaction momentarily heals the cracks in their relationship, giving them a renewed sense of purpose.
Themes
Their neighbor, Bill Barbour, notices the goat and congratulates them on the acquisition. Bill offers to trade his colt for some kids if Rick and Iran ever decide to breed their goat, which fills Rick with happiness. However, the moment of triumph is short-lived. Iran suggests going back to their apartment to give thanks to Mercer via the empathy box, an act she sees as a moral obligation in light of their newfound fortune. Reluctantly, Rick agrees, though he feels skeptical about the practice and its effectiveness.
Barbour’s admiration for the goat affirms the importance of animals as markers of success and moral standing. Rick’s happiness in this moment feels fragile, as Iran’s insistence on thanking Mercer quickly shifts the focus to spiritual responsibility. Given that Rick is not a spiritual person, turning to Mercer after such a grueling day feels like more of a slap in the face than anything else.
Themes
Back in their apartment, Iran eagerly connects to the empathy box, immersing herself in Mercerism. Watching her, Rick reflects on his growing disillusionment with the ideology. Nevertheless, he decides to participate, hoping to gain clarity or solace. Instead, Rick experiences a cryptic interaction with Mercer, who tells him, “I am here with you and always will be. Go and do your task, even though you know it’s wrong.” Emerging from the experience, Rick feels no closer to resolution and still struggles with the ethical implications of his work.
Rick’s experience with Mercerism exposes a gap between what the ideology promises and what he feels. While Iran finds comfort in connecting with Mercer, Rick’s interaction only deepens his sense of uncertainty. Mercer’s ambiguous message offers no clear answers, instead placing the burden of moral choice squarely on Rick’s shoulders. If anything, it seems like Mercer approves of wrongdoing, which is not what one would expect from a spiritual leader.
Themes
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Before Rick can process his thoughts, the phone rings. It’s Bryant, who informs him that the remaining androids have been located at an abandoned building in the suburbs. Bryant urges Rick to move quickly, warning that the androids are likely aware of their compromised situation. Though Rick initially hesitates, citing his exhaustion and the emotional toll of his day, he eventually agrees to take the assignment. Bryant congratulates him on his earlier successes and encourages him to continue, but Rick remains conflicted, feeling trapped.
The urgency of this assignment means that Rick’s mental and physical exhaustion are not taken into consideration, showing how little regard the system has for his well-being. His reluctance to continue signals a growing awareness of the emotional cost of his work. Even as Bryant praises his earlier success, Rick’s hesitation hints at a growing conflict between his sense of duty and his personal limits.
Themes
Overwhelmed by the weight of his responsibilities, Rick decides to seek help. He calls Rachael and asks her to assist him in retiring the remaining androids. Rachael initially resists his request, claiming she’s unavailable. Rick presses her, admitting that he feels incapable of handling the task alone. Again, Rachael insists she cannot help. In response, Rick asks her to come and see him at the St. Francis Hotel, implying that he wants to be sexually intimate with her. Rachael agrees to come and see him at the hotel. As Rick sets out for the hotel, he reflects on the events of the day and the emotional toll they’ve taken on him.
Rick’s call to Rachael suggests that his relationship with Iran is not fixed at all. Instead, he is seeking both sexual, practical, and emotional help elsewhere, as he tries to figure out what to do next. It seems that he is attempting to do what Resch suggested earlier; that is, have sex with an android. This is a dangerous game for many reasons, particularly because Rick does not have a clear sense of Rachael’s motivations.
Themes
