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Chapter 7
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 returns to the San Francisco Hall of Justice, exhausted but determined to begin his hunt for the remaining Nexus-6 androids. In Bryant’s office, Bryant explains that Polokov, the android who attacked Holden, has taken a job posing as a trash collector. Rick studies the details of Polokov’s cover and prepares to confront him. Bryant mentions that a Soviet W.P.O. officer, Sandor Kadalyi, has arrived to observe and assist. Rick resists the idea of working with Kadalyi, preferring to operate independently. Bryant agrees to let him handle Polokov alone but expects him to work with Kadalyi on the next target, Luba Luft.
Rick seeks isolation, as he repeatedly refuses help whenever it is offered. Rick’s behavior is in sharp contrast to John, who courts both the aid of others and human connection. For his part, Bryant is a compelling character because his motivations remain obscured. He only tells Rick what he feels Rick needs to know and leaves out other seemingly important information such as the reason for Kadalyi’s presence.
Themes
While en route to Polokov’s workplace, Rick receives an unexpected phone call from Rachael. She offers to assist him, arguing that as a Nexus-6 herself, she can approach the escaped androids in a way he cannot. Rick is skeptical of her motives and declines the offer. Annoyed, he ends the call and orders the police operator to block any further calls from the Rosen Association.
Rachael’s call to Rick is more evidence that she is a different being than the Rachael android staying with John, though it is far from definitive. In general, Rachael’s motivations are murky, and it seems unlikely that she’s actually enthusiastic about helping “retire” androids just like her.
Themes
Rick visits the Bay Area Scavengers Company, where Polokov works. A manager informs him that Polokov did not show up for his shift. Rick then heads to Polokov’s apartment in a dilapidated building. The apartment reeks of abandonment, filled with leftover debris and no personal items. Frustrated, Rick concludes that Polokov has fled. He contacts Bryant to report his failure and decides to move on to Luba Luft unless Polokov resurfaces.
Polokov’s apartment aligns with the concept of “kipple.” It is full of junk, and nothing remains to suggest that any sort of being resides there. Again, it seems like the androids are two steps ahead of Rick, which does not bode well for the remainder of his operation.
Themes
Before Rick can leave, a man arrives in a taxi. The man introduces himself as the Soviet officer, Kadalyi, and offers a handshake, appearing friendly and professional. Rick notices Kadalyi’s unusual laser tube and inspects it. Sensing something is wrong, Rick sabotages the weapon and pulls out his own weapon, just as Kadalyi—who is really Polokov—moves to attack him. The android lunges at Rick, aiming for his throat. Rick manages to fire his pistol, hitting Polokov in the head. The android’s body convulses violently before Rick finally neutralizes it. Shaken but alive, Rick contacts Bryant to report that he has retired Polokov.
Polokov managed to fool not only Rick but also Bryant, who suggested that Rick accept help from (the presumably human) “Kadalyi.” This incident illustrates the dire seriousness of Rick’s job, where one false move could end with him dead. Notably, Polokov’s death is disturbingly human, as he violently convulses before finally shutting down for good. This moment once again suggests that humans and androids are not as far apart as Rick would like to think.
Themes
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The encounter leaves Rick unsettled. He calls Iran to share his progress and earnings from the bounty but finds her consumed by depression. Her disinterest in his news deepens his frustration, and he reflects on their failing marriage. He compares Iran’s lack of vitality to the androids he hunts, questioning whether she offers him any meaningful support. Rachael’s warning about the Nexus-6 androids lingers in his mind, and he reconsiders her offer of assistance.
Rick’s comparison of Iran to the androids reveals the bias that often comes out in this society; that is, when someone or something is displaying a positive emotion, like empathy or enthusiasm, they are considered more human. Meanwhile, when someone or something projects a negative emotion, like rage or depression, it is classified as android behavior.
Themes
Ultimately, Rick resolves to hunt Luba Luft next, though he plans to ask Rachael for help if Luft turns out to be a problem. Then, he reviews Luft’s profile and formulates a plan to pose as an opera enthusiast to engage her. As Rick approaches the opera house, he distracts himself by singing arias. Despite the challenges so far, he feels optimistic about this next confrontation, convinced that Polokov was the toughest of the six.
Part of Rick’s hesitation to ask Rachael for help is that he knows Rachael likely has a secondary reason for wanting to help him. Meanwhile, Luft’s profession as an opera singer positions her as someone who, at least on the surface, seems quite human, as she is engaging in a type of performance known for its artistry and emotional impact.
Themes
