The Gods Themselves by Isaac Asimov
"The Gods Themselves" by Isaac Asimov is a science fiction novel that explores the complex interplay between two distinct universes, each governed by different physical laws. The narrative is structured as three interconnected novellas. The first, "Against Stupidity," highlights themes of professional rivalry and the challenges of gaining acceptance for the newly discovered plutonium-186, an energy source in the human universe. In the second novella, "The Gods Themselves," the story shifts to the alien universe, where unique, amorphous creatures engage in a mating process that raises concerns about the safety of material transfer to humans. This section delves into the alien perspective, providing a rich exploration of their biology and societal dynamics. The final novella, "Contend in Vain," is set on the Moon and focuses on the human effort to avert a catastrophic energy crisis that threatens the sun, utilizing innovative technology called "cosmeg pumps." The book tackles themes of interdependence, scientific ethics, and the potential consequences of technological advancement, all while presenting diverse perspectives through its multifaceted characters and settings.
The Gods Themselves by Isaac Asimov
Excerpted from an article in Magill’s Survey of American Literature, Revised Edition
First published: 1972
Type of work: Novel
The Work
Samples of plutonium-186 begin appearing in a scientific laboratory in place of tungsten. Plutonium-186 can exist only in a universe in which the nuclear reaction is much weaker. The element is a source of energy in the human universe, as is the tungsten in the alien universe.
The novel consists of three novellas. The first, Against Stupidity, is a story of professional jealousy and scientific persistence in getting plutonium-186 accepted and used. The second novella, The Gods Themselves, takes place in the alien universe, where mating consists of the merging of three different nebulous creatures. One of them is uneasy about the transfer of material and the prospective mating and sends warnings to the human universe. This is the most engrossing of the three. The third novella, Contend in Vain, describes life on the moon and the effort to stop catastrophe to the human universe by constructing “cosmeg pumps” on the moon and using part of the energy to counteract the changes in field intensity that threaten to explode the sun and perhaps even the galactic arm.
Bibliography
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