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Chapter 21
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 stops calling Iran because he spots a toad partially buried in the dust. Recognizing it as a creature thought extinct, he is overcome with excitement. Notably, he realizes, the toad is the animal most associated with Mercer. Carefully, he uncovers the creature, marveling at its survival in such a harsh environment. He places it in a cardboard box and decides to surprise Iran with his extraordinary find. He flies back to San Francisco filled with renewed energy and purpose.
The toad, long believed extinct, takes on an almost mythic significance for Rick, connecting him directly to the ideals of Mercerism. By carefully excavating the toad and placing it in a box, Rick treats it as a sacred relic, symbolizing his attempt to reclaim a connection to life and hope. His decision to share the toad with Iran signals his desire to include her in this transformative experience, marking a shift from his earlier isolation.
Themes
Back at their apartment, Iran is in a despondent mood. She contemplates using the mood organ to lift her spirits. When Rick arrives, she immediately realizes that something important about him has changed. He reveals the toad to her, explaining its significance and recounting how he found it in the desert. Iran examines the creature closely and discovers a tiny control panel on its abdomen, revealing that the toad is artificial. The revelation visibly deflates Rick, but he insists that the artificial creature still has value.
Iran’s careful inspection of the toad contrasts with Rick’s unguarded excitement, showcasing her practicality and willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. The revelation that the toad is artificial strikes a heavy blow to Rick’s renewed hope, deflating his spiritual triumph and forcing him to grapple once again with the pervasive artificiality of his world. Yet, his insistence that the toad still holds value signals a significant shift in his outlook. It Rick’s growing acceptance that meaning and connection can exist even in artificial constructs. Of course, this revelation is a double-edged sword: Rick may have a new appreciation for artificial life, but this only occurs after a day spent extinguishing it.
Themes
Then, Rick says he needs rest, and Iran encourages him to lay down after his grueling ordeal. As Rick sleeps, Iran contemplates the electric toad and its care. Over the phone, she orders artificial flies to feed it and considers additional enhancements to ensure its maintenance. Once she gets everything she needs, she sips her coffee with a sense of satisfaction.
Although the toad is not as revelatory for Iran as it was for Rick, she still makes an effort to care for it on Rick’s behalf. This signals that their relationship is starting to heal despite the ups and downs of the day. Despite the chaos of the novel, it ends on a note of satisfaction, indicating some degree of optimism.
Themes
