Inter Ice Age 4: Analysis of Major Characters
"Inter Ice Age 4: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into a complex narrative exploring themes of control, responsibility, and the future through its key characters. The story is centered around Professor Katsumi, a rational computer scientist who constructs a predictive computer, only to become embroiled in a murder linked to his predictions. His ambition leads him to uncover a troubling project aimed at creating aquans, a new species of fishlike humans intended to survive catastrophic flooding.
Katsumi's assistant, Tanomogi, initially appears supportive but is revealed to be a manipulative figure with a hidden agenda, ultimately serving as the murderer he is investigating. Wada Katsuko, a young female assistant, serves as a critical link between the aquan project and Katsumi, complicating his personal life by involving him in the project’s goals. Lastly, Professor Yamamoto, head of the aquan breeding facilities, represents a businesslike and detached approach to the project's objectives, foreshadowing the dire consequences for Katsumi. This interplay between characters raises questions about agency, ethics, and the unforeseen ramifications of technological advancements.
Inter Ice Age 4: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Kobo Abe
First published: Daiyon kampyki, 1958–1959, serial; 1959, book (English translation, 1970)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Tokyo, Japan
Plot: Science fiction
Time: The near future
Professor Katsumi, the narrator, a computer scientist. Committed to rational explanations, Katsumi comes to see that his own future is not easily controllable. When he builds a computer that will predict the future, he becomes involved in the murder of the man whose future he is predicting. Eventually, Katsumi discovers that the victim had learned of a bizarre project to develop aquans, a race of fishlike humans who could survive the predicted flooding of Earth. Katsumi discovers that his own staff, guided by his computer, are participants in the project. He confronts the computer, and it explains that, as his second self, with an insight into the future that he refuses to accept, it is in control, not him. Because of his objections, Katsumi must be killed.
Tanomogi, Katsumi's assistant. Although the mysterious Tanomogi seems to be helping Katsumi, he has been manipulating his boss. Tanomogi is the murderer that he and Katsumi have been seeking. He feeds Katsumi information about the aquans, but he never specifies his motives for joining the project.
Wada Katsuko, a young female assistant. At times strangely attractive to Katsumi, Wada is the link between the aquan project and the computer laboratory. She also arranges to procure Katsumi's aborted son for the project so that Katsumi can have a part in the future society. Later, she tries to convince Katsumi that he is responsible for the consequences of his actions.
Professor Yamamoto, the head of the aquan breeding facilities. A large, businesslike scientist, Yamamoto dispassionately explains the project and its aims to Katsumi shortly before Katsumi is to be killed.