Brain Wave by Poul Anderson
**Concept Overview of Brain Wave**
"Brain Wave" is a science fiction novel that explores the profound impact of a sudden increase in human intelligence after Earth moves out of a force field that had inhibited brain functions for millions of years. As the story unfolds, various characters, including scientists and common individuals, navigate the societal changes brought about by this intellectual enhancement. The narrative delves into the implications for science, religion, and governance, showcasing a world grappling with newfound cognitive abilities alongside rising tensions and personal conflicts.
Key characters, such as Peter Corinth and Archie Brock, illustrate the diverse reactions to this intellectual evolution, from excitement and opportunity to fear and resistance. The emergence of telepathy in certain individuals highlights a broader sensitivity to emotions and communication among people. The plot also reflects on the challenges posed by social upheaval, as some individuals long for the simplicity of their previous lives while others seek to harness their intelligence for exploration and progress. Ultimately, the novel suggests a division between those who embrace the changes and those who wish to revert to a less complex existence, setting the stage for a future where advanced minds may venture beyond Earth.
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Subject Terms
Brain Wave
First published: 1954
Type of work: Novel
Type of plot: Science fiction—superbeing
Time of work: The present
Locale: The United States
The Plot
For the past one hundred million years, Earth has been passing through some sort of force field that inhibits brain functions. As the story opens, Earth has moved out of the field’s power, with the result that earthly brains now possess much more intelligence. The majority of the story explains the results of this change on science, religion, government, and other elements of society. The plot is somewhat disjointed because Poul Anderson often switches characters and locale. This approach gives the novel a realistic, journalistic-like feel.
The opening pages describe intellectual improvements in an animal, a mentally retarded human (Archie Brock), and an intelligent ten-year-old boy. On the estate where he works, Archie sees changes in animals and begins to realize what has happened to him. Eventually, all the employees except Archie leave for better prospects elsewhere. Newspaper reports are included to show the wide scope of the changes.
Several scientists, including Peter Corinth, Felix Mandelbaum, Nat Lewis, and Helga Arnulfson, discuss these changes among themselves and with their families. Peter Corinth, a resident of New York City, walks to work and reflects on the changes he sees around him.
At this point, Anderson summarizes some of the large-scale effects in language and natural science. Other places around the world are shown dealing with their own changes. In Africa, a group of black people headed by M’Wanzi attempts to throw off the yolk of white oppressors. In Russia, people revolt against the totalitarian government. On a personal level, a relationship is established between scientists Peter and Helga; Peter’s wife, Sheila, hates the change and cannot deal with it. Some religious groups also have a hard time accepting the tremendous intellectual alterations, as shown in the rage of the followers of the Third Ba’al.
Archie goes to town for supplies and is presented with the opportunity to join a new socioeconomic system that does without money or ownership. Archie refuses and returns to the estate, where he is more comfortable. Later in the book, Archie is shown still living there, this time with others like him.
Anderson introduces the idea that people are more sensitive to others than before by using parentheses to show implied meanings that do not have to be spoken. People now can sense the feelings of others and inter-pret the smallest gestures. The Sensitives provide a more exaggerated example of this ability: They use telepathy.
Negative reactions to the change continue. It becomes difficult to keep order in the cities, and some people complain about thinking so much. Some of these people attempt to create machinery that will generate an artificial inhibitor field around Earth much like the one that previously caused the stagnation of intellect. Felix Mandelbaum works slowly for better social organization through negotiation.
On a positive note, scientists discover faster-than-light travel. When the first starship is completed, Peter Corinth and Nat Lewis are selected as its first two passengers. They explore several worlds, allowing Anderson to discuss the evolution of intelligence. The starship returns, and the plot to set up the artificial field is thwarted.
At the novel’s conclusion, Anderson takes one more look at Archie. Readers understand that his type will take over Earth and that the more advanced will head for the stars, where they can set up a new society free from Earth’s restraints.