Venus Plus X by Theodore Sturgeon
"Venus Plus X" is a science fiction narrative that explores themes of gender, society, and technology through the experiences of its protagonist, Charlie Johns. After awakening in the alien world of Ledom, Charlie discovers a culture that is characterized by a harmonious blend of advanced technology and a pastoral lifestyle. The society of Ledom is notable for its hermaphroditism, where all inhabitants embody both male and female traits, leading to a profound absence of gender conflict and a celebration of collective parenting.
As Charlie learns from the Ledom, he contrasts their serene and joyful existence with the mundane and often contentious life he left behind on Earth, where gender roles are rigid and often detrimental. The narrative unfolds through alternating chapters, juxtaposing Charlie’s enlightening experiences in Ledom with his previous life filled with societal limitations and sexism.
Ultimately, the story reveals profound truths about identity and human potential, including shocking revelations about Charlie's own nature and origins. The Ledom see themselves as custodians of life, hopeful that humanity will one day transcend its self-destructive tendencies to embrace a more harmonious existence. This thought-provoking tale invites readers to reflect on their societal norms and the possibilities of a more inclusive future.
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Subject Terms
Venus Plus X
First published: 1960
Type of work: Novel
Type of plot: Science fiction—utopia
Time of work: The near future
Locale: The United States
The Plot
Twenty-seven-year-old Charlie Johns regains consciousness and his bearings only to find himself, dazed and disoriented, in an alien world. As Johns experiences the world of Ledom, guided and taught by a humanlike and handsome race, he comes to appreciate the culture’s lack of contention and sexism, its refreshing celebration of the present, and its love of children. For reasons initially not made clear to the protagonist, the Ledom seem especially interested in his assessment of their way of life. In some senses a pastoral society, Ledom also possesses advanced technology. A force field protects their land, and they have the capability to implant knowledge directly. What most strikes Johns is the inhabitants’ serene joy and acceptance, an obvious embracing of life’s pleasures. The tone of their lives stems from a hermaphroditism that precludes even the possibility of difference. All people in Ledom are both male and female, and all parents are both father and mother. The harmony thus produced pervades all aspects of life in Ledom, especially the religion, and serves as an obvious contrast to and critique of life on Earth.
The narrative technique of Venus Plux X reinforces this contrast. Alternating chapters throughout tell of Charlie Johns in Ledom; interspersed are chapters telling a continuing tale of a recognizably mundane near future. The suburban lives of the Raile and Smith families appear empty and routine. Their values are permeated with sexism and gender stereotyping, although gradual change seems under way and technology such as the electronic baby-sitter has freed women from many childrearing chores. The polarizing of gender roles and failure to accept all of life’s riches create a schizophrenic world in which sex is an obsession but is considered more shameful than violence, and individual expectations are defined and limited by gender from early childhood.
When Charlie steps from what he supposes is a time machine into a new world, he is confused. His observations and his tutors lead him to conclude that the Ledom are a superior society. (“Ledom” is “model” spelled backward, and Charlie’s primary tutor is named “Philos,” the beginning of the word “philosophy.”) He is shown wonders of architecture and transportation but is most intrigued by the social arrangements, childrearing practices, and religion of the Ledom. Charlie has to curb his tendency to speak—even to think—in terms of “he” or “she,” because the Ledom are both. The present, the future, and children are celebrated in all aspects of life, especially in religion: Everything is an expression of love, and even the lilt of the Ledom’s voices intones harmony.
Disclosures at the conclusion of the novel are meant to shock. Charlie has not traveled into the future but rather has crash-landed on the Ledom’s protective force field. The Ledom are an isolated people developed through medical procedures rather than mutation. Charlie is actually Quesbu, one of two one-sexed individuals born apart from the medical units. Shortly before his death, Charlie’s memories were implanted into Quesbu’s mind. Charlie/Quesbu finds a mate in the other one-sexed Ledom, Soutin, who merges with the image of Charlie’s “earthly” girlfriend. The Ledom periodically assess human reaction to themselves and to the Ledom culture. They consider themselves merely custodians who preserve and treasure life until humanity seems ready to live and love and avoid self-destruction.