How does Dick’s essay (1999; 1964) illuminate his use of Nazism as a motif in High Castle?
Dick is famous for a SF author who has a unique imagination and complicated ideas. His genius was, again, proved in the book of “the man in the High Castle". The story is started from supposition of the history by Dick, and there is another story in the story. Aside from this, Dick used of Nazism as a motif in his book. Firstly, a German citizen couldn’t show any dissent from official policy, it means Nazi dominated the occupied area by the principles of military coercively. Secondly, the working class swung from supporting the Communists and the moderate socialists to the Nazis. Dick guessed the Nazis were always ready to listen, to help, to dole out food and support and the Germans were starving, dying, being evicted, being deprived; it was the Depression, and the people were desperate. In addition, at the time of the rise of anti-Jewish ideology among non-Jewish-Germans, The Jews and the Slavs were subject to discrimination.
The concept of German Nazism seemed to be quite based on the reality. (This may be how SF is distinguished to Fantasy.) Anyway, Dick concluded his essay as saying “Let’s live in the present and for the future, not dwelling neurotically on the outrages of the past.” and I don’t think it’s easy to do for the Jews.
With regard to the movie of “A scanner Darkly”, it was the interesting movie. I am not the huge fan of the SF yet, but it’s good to know the different styles of genre.
Reference
Dick, P. K. (1995). Nazism and the High Castle. In Sutin, L. (Ed.), The Shifting Realities of Philip K. Dick (pp.112-117). New York: Vintage.
Linklater, R. (Director). (2006). A Scanner Darkly.
Some interesting points sumarised from Dick's (1996) essay - but I think it would be useful if you examine how the points you raise are manifested in the primary text itself - TMitHC. Provide examples from the text - extracts etc.
ReplyDeleteAlso where you're using the exact words of the theoretical (or primary texts) don't forget to use quotaion marks and include a page number. Dick's essay is interesting isn't it! Do you think it has any contemporary relevance??