Asimov - The Gods Themselves Flashcards
(260 cards)
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author name
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The Gods Themselves by Isaac Asimov.
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he Gods Themselves is a story of two worlds that are struggling for power and survival, although
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they have never met.
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One world, the human’s world, is so consumed with the need for
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free energy they are unwilling to give up their source of power, even though it may destroy all life in their Universe.
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The other world needs the energy pulled from the Earth’s Universe because their
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own Sun is about to die.
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The scientists struggle against an
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unseen time clock to save their world.
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Dr. Peter Lamont meets with Dr. Hallam, the creator of the Electron Pump and asks Hallam about
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the intelligence of the men from the parallel Universe that initiated the process.
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Hallam insists that humans cannot be pulled down in stature and begins a
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private vendetta against Lamont.
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Lamont begins work on deciphering the code sent by the men from the other Universe and in the process realizes that the Electron Pump, while giving humanity all the free energy it needs, is
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overloading the Sun, which will explode—perhaps within a few short years.
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Lamont also receives a message from the parallel Universe confirming that the pump is bad, although they cannot
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stop pumping. Despite his valid concerns, Lamont can find no one to listen to him.
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In the parallel Universe, a being called Dua has begun learning with her Rational mate
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Odeen.
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Dua inadvertently learns that the new source of energy that their world has found to sustain itself, since its Sun is dwindling and dying, will cause
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will cause the other Universe to explode.
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. This explosion will give Dua’s world all the energy it needs
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for thousands of years.
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Dua rebels and tries to send a message to
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the other Universe to stop their pumping.
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As it happens with all of Dua’s people, her time comes to pass on and and when she fully combines with her two other mates, they form the creature named Estwald, that was
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the creator of the pump.
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On the Lunar colony on the moon, Dr. Denison arrives, and because of Lamont’s previous warnings to various people, Denison is able .
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to start researching ways to fix the problem with the electron pump.
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Denison and his assistant, Selene, are able to figure out how to make a new energy that
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the Electron Pump so the pumping doesn’t have to be stopped.
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Denison realizes that there are other applications for the energy and plans are made for
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ships to be built that will be propelled by this new system.
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Denison and Lamont are both labeled as heroes on Earth, although Denison opts to stay
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on the moon.
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Chapter six begins with Peter Lamont and Bronowski talking about the failure of
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Lamont’s interview with Dr. Frederick Hallam.
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Bronowski reminds Lamont that Lamont hadn’t expected to get anywhere when he
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went to talk to Hallam.
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Despite the knowledge that going to talk to Dr. Hallam, the father of the Electron Pump, went just as Lamont had planned, Lamont is still
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visibly upset.
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Chapter one recalls thirty years earlier. Dr. Frederick Hallam was a radiochemist that had a mediocre future until he happened to find
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a jar of tungsten on his desk had changed.
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Hallam demanded to know who had been changing things on his desk and Dr. Benjamin Denison, a college of Dr. Hallam’s, made .
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fun of Hallam’s ignorance. This pushed Hallam to do tests on the new substance that had been left in place of the tungsten.
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The substance comes back as being
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Plutonium 186, but that is impossible since that substance cannot exist in our Universe. There are several more tests run, and it is determined that each measurement of the energy from the positrons is a little higher each time they are tested.
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As chapter six continues Dr. Lamont and Dr. Bronowski are talking about how Hallam has convinced the whole world that Hallam is the genius behind the Electron Pump when in reality
Dr. Hallam has simply manipulated those around him
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Chapter two explains that when Dr. Lamont was younger, he was trying to write a paper on Hallam and the discovery of the Electron Pump. It was Hallam who suggested that there were beings in a parallel Universe .
that were sending in the strange Plutonium 186 in exchange for their ordinary tungsten.
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Hallam theorized that the parallel Universe, or para Universe, had different laws than our own. Our ordinary tungsten produced energy for them just as
their Plutonium could do for us. Hallam explained that the two Universes must work together to pump the materials back and forth in order to make the most of the energy needed.
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Chapter three starts with a young Langston beginning an interview with Hallam. Langston eventually asks about the para Universe and the beings that are on the other end of the electron pump and their intelligence. Lanston asks about whether it is obvious that these beings are more intelligent since
they must initiate the transfer and send the directions to our world in order to set up the Electron Pump.
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Hallam becomes hostile and says that they will not put para men on pedestals as gods and will not have human intelligence downgraded. Immediately after Lamont found that interviews he had previously set up
were being refused, and he was being ignored by various institutions.
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Chapter six continues with Lamont and Bronowski discussing Hallam and
his arrogance.
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In chapter four it is explained how Dr. Bronowski deciphered the code of the
long-forgotten Etruscan inscriptions
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Hallam happened to hear a speech by Bronowski the day before Lamont's meeting with Hallam. After that Lamont went to Bronowski to ask him to help decipher the code sent to them by the para men since none of the other scientists had been able to grasp the language, only the vague instructions. Bronowski listens to Lamont but says that the para men are obviously more advanced technologically but not necessarily
smarter. Bronowski eventually agrees to help Lamont.
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As chapter five begins a year has gone by and Bronowski and Lamont have not been able to make any progress. Because of Hallam's anger, Lamont was
turned down for every grant he could think of and request for new equipment making Lamont more insistent that he prove Hallam wrong.
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Lamont begins to dig into the inner workings of the para Universe and the Electron Pump and comes to the conclusion that it may well be that the theories and assumptions made about the Electron Pump and the switching of particles from one Universe to another are incorrect. Lamont has come to believe that the Electron Pump may be corrupting
the Sun to the point it will explode—perhaps within a few short years.
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Lamont knows he cannot just go to anyone with this new information and so makes another appointment with Hallam, so Lamont can say Hallam refused to listen. When Lamont sees Hallam, Hallam quickly becomes outraged at
the implications that the Electron Pump could do damage to the Universe and throws out Lamont.
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As chapter six concludes, Lamont has decided to go and see Senator Burton, who is the head of the
Committee on Technology and the Environment
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Bronowski has gotten a message back from the para men, but it is only the word "feer". Bronowski assumes it is the word
fear misspelled but it is not enough to show to anyone as proof of anything.
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In chapter seven Lamont goes to see Senator Burton. Once there, Burton admits he was told by Hallam not to
see Lamont. Burton also goes on to say he doesn't like being ordered around by anyone. Burton listens to Lamont's concerns about the Electron Pump and how it could very soon cause the Sun to explode.
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Despite his good argument, Lamont has no proof of this and Burton says that without some
sort of proof he cannot shut down Earth's power supply.
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Chapter eight begins with Lamont going to see Joshua
Chen. Chen was vastly unpopular but had money and power. Lamont begins to explain the dangers possibly associated with the Electron Pump, but Chen needs proof of such accusations before standing on Lamont's side.
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In chapter nine Lamont returns to the lab and Bronowski shows Lamont the new message from the para men. It says
"y-e-s p-u-m-p b-a-d b-a-d b-a-d" (page 60). Bronowski says there is still no way to make sure the para men aren't misunderstanding the English language and believing that they are calling the pump good. Bronowski says he will try to send one more message.
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Chapter ten begins with two weeks passing without another message. They finally do get the message from the para men and they sound desperate to get the humans to stop the pump. Bronowski says that in the para Universe there is someone like them who wants to stop the pump but
has just as little power as Lamont does.
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Both men know they cannot take the message to anyone because there is no way to prove that it actually came from the para Universe. Bronowski advises Lamont to go live life and not worry, since
when the Sun explodes it will be a quick and painless death. Bronowski says he is done and leaves Lamont in his office.
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The first section of the book focuses on the struggles that Dr. Lamont, and to a small extent, Dr.
. Bronowski face
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Despite the large role that these characters take in the story in the first part of the book, they are not seen again throughout the rest of the story. Dr. Lamont and the work that he has done has an impact on the rest of the story and is mentioned several times later on. Hallam also continues to have a major impact on some of the other characters in the story but is not
encountered again in the book.
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There is a large portion of the book that focuses on explaining the differences between the para Universe and our own as well as how the Electron Pump works. In many ways this will be important to understanding
what goes on in the next two sections of the book.
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There was brief mention earlier in the book about a character named Benjamin Denison. Denison will be seen later in the story and will seemingly be affected by
There was brief mention earlier in the book about a character named Benjamin Denison. Denison will be seen later in the story and will seemingly be affected by
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When the first section ends, it seems everything that Lamont did is ignored. Chen gave him no real response; Hallam worked to get Lamont ruined, and Senator Burt seemed to be unwilling to help without some type of scientific proof. It will be shown later on in the story that Senator Burton was
more moved by Lamont's speech than Lamont realized.
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It isn't revealed who the Senator was meeting with after Lamont left his office. Later on there will be mention of another meeting with the Senator, and it seems that that person is the one
that walked in after Lamont exited.
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When Bronowski left Lamont's office, Lamont was trying to fight back tears. He had a personal score to settle with Hallam which may have clouded some of his judgment. One of the characters later on in the story will say Lamont went about his attempt to fix the problem all wrong. There is no indication if Lamont would have had better success by doing things in any other fashion. Despite Lamont's own apparent feelings of failure, much of what he has worked on in the first section of the book will seem to lay foundation for the work that will
fix the Electron Pump problem. How much of it is related to Lamont's work isn't explained in detail but is mentioned in more than one instance.
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arrogant and prideful. He has been quick to make demands of those around him. It is easily seen that everyone that knows Hallam seems to find him a self-absorbed person, and people in general seem to have a genuine dislike for him. This will help end Hallam's career.
arrogant and prideful. He has been quick to make demands of those around him. It is easily seen that everyone that knows Hallam seems to find him a self-absorbed person, and people in general seem to have a genuine dislike for him. This will help end Hallam's career.
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The message Lamont and Bronowski receive at the end of the first section is described in some minor detail. It is known they cannot go to anyone with the message because
there is no scientific proof. The story of the para men that write the message will be shown in the next chapter. The next half of the story is essential to understanding what the pump does and why the messages were sent to Lamont but the pump not stopped.
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In chapter 1a, Dua is thinking about how different she is from other
An Emotional, Parental, and Rational make up the triad
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Dua is thinking of the day her
her Parental had to leave her. As Dua sits remembering all of this she knows that, soon Tritt, the Parental in her triad, will become angry that she has been gone so long and will ask Odeen, the Rational in her triad, to speak to Dua on her duties.
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Chapter 1b begins with Odeen thinking about the unique members of his triad. The Hard Ones arranges for the members of the triad to be put together. Odeen remembers when he and Tritt had first met and
bonded and grew to love each other.
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Tritt, being a parental, soon wanted little ones of his own and said Odeen needed to ask the Hard Ones for an Emotional to complete their triad. Odeen refused and said they would receive their Emotional when the
Hard Ones perceived they were ready.
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The Hard Ones were heavier although not necessarily larger. Their substance was much heavier. The Soft Ones could
touch and meld with objects, but if they touched a Hard One it seemed to cause them pain since the hard ones' molecules were much closer together.
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Chapter 1c begins with Tritt asking Odeen where Dua is. Tritt badly wants a third baby, but Dua has to be
well fed in order for the triad to conceive the baby emotional and Dua never eats her fill of anything. Tritt is very concerned with his triad and the third baby they need.
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It had been Tritt who had gone to the Hard Ones and asked for an Emotional. Not long after that, Dua was brought to them. With Dua in the triad they could have a proper melting; during the melting there was pleasure but then
large gaps of time were gone with no memory of what happened during those times. Dua spent more and more time alone and now Tritt is worried that they would never produce a third baby.
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In chapter 2a Dua is thinking about her triad. It was the Emotional that was needed for proper melting and for creating the energy needed to for a baby. Dua doesn't care if
there is a third baby or not. The Emotional supplied the energy, the Rational the seed and the Parental was the incubator and the care giver
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Odeen explained that there were far less of their kind in the world now than just a few short generations back because
of the lack of energy their Sun was creating. He would say no more than this.
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Dua admitted to herself that the reason she didn't want to eat her fill was because it made her want to melt. If she melted then they could bring about the third baby. After the third baby, it would be her
her time to pass on, just as her Parental had done. Dua didn't want to pass on.
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In chapter 2b Tritt has just left Odeen alone for a moment to think. Odeen knows Tritt is right and that Dua has put off the third baby long enough and they must melt soon. Odeen decides that he will go and speak with
Losten, his Hard One teacher
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It was from Losten and a few of the other Hard Ones, that Odeen learned that the Universe they lived in was shriveling and dying. Upon hearing that the Universe was going to come to an end, Odeen suggested to Losten that
they find a new Universe. Losten had been pleased with this and said that they must tell the other hard ones of what Odeen thought.
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As he remembers all of this, he comes to where Losten is teaching. Losten comes to talk to Odeen and listens to the problems that Odeen is having with Dua. Losten suggests that Odeen find something that gives Dua a deeper purpose in life since the
the third baby will mean passing on.
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Odeen has learning and Tritt has the children, but Dua has nothing in her life to give her that satisfaction. Odeen thanks Losten for helping him and says that he knows with Losten leading them they will find an answer to the Universe problem. Losten simply says that the new Hard One they have,
, Estwald, who is the one leading the project, is their hero.
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Chapter 2c starts with Tritt having decided to do something about Dua. Tritt goes to the Hard Ones' caverns. Parentals never go here, especially without
their Rationals. Tritt is thinking about which Hard One he should ask for when he remembers Odeen talking about a new Hard One named Estwald. Tritt finds a hard one and asks for Estwald. The Hard One explains that Estwald isn't there
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Tritt goes on his way but stops when he finds a machine that is making
making wonderful food but with no Sun. Then Tritt retraces his steps and goes home.
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There is no introduction given for the alien life forms and so what they are and how they live is
deducted through the telling of the story of Dua, Odeen, and Tritt. The reason their triad is the one focused on will become evident later on in the story. Losten has mentioned more than once that Odeen's triad is unique. It will be more obvious how different they are as the story continues
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There are brief mentions made to other Soft Ones in the story but there are no major characters that are Soft Ones other than to show the vast differences among them. Dua seems to be the crucial one that is focused on more. She seems to
feel things more deeply in some regards.
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The triad is expected to come to the point that they can "pass on." This appears to be their form of death but later in the story this is
proved wrong. There has been a lot of foreshadowing in regards to the Hard Ones and Estwald and the connection that Estwald has to Odeen's triad. This will all be explained in the next chapters.
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It is Odeen who told Losten that it was obvious to look to other Universes for
energy since their Universe was dying. This proves to be a moment of foreshadowing. There has been a little discussion up to this point about the positron pump but no definitive answers about it. It will be discussed in further detail in the next chapters
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It is Odeen who told Losten that it was obvious to look to other Universes for energy
since their Universe was dying. This proves to be a moment of foreshadowing. There has been a little discussion up to this point about the positron pump but no definitive answers about it. It will be discussed in further detail in the next chapters
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Tritt went to the Hard Ones' caverns to look for Estwald and talk to him. Although Tritt didn't find Estwald he did find
find the food that was being emitted by the positron pump. This will also prove to be a needed piece of information. While most of the characters' actions are clearly seen, much of what the characters are doing is hidden until later in the story.
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Chapter 3a begins with Dua heading toward the Hard Ones' caverns. Once there, Dua realizes Tritt is there and to keep from being seen, Dua merges herself completely in the cave wall. Dua did not think about merging until she had done it, since grown Emotionals
aren't supposed to be able to melt completely into something.
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Once inside the rock Dua realized she can sense everything more sharply. Dua remembers Odeen saying that after a melt
he could think more clearly and work problems out more quickly. Dua assumes that without Odeen there to accept the benefit of a melt that it must be going to her. After a time Dua emerges from the rock and heads home deep in thought.
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Chapter 3b starts with Odeen at home thinking of Dua. Odeen knows her interest in life must be increased so that she will want
to melt. Dua comes home and Odeen tells her he will teach her as Losten has advised. Dua immediately begins to ask questions.
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While Odeen is talking to her, she notices that she is very hungry, due in part to her melt with the rock wall. Dua has a feeding station that Odeen has put in her room. The food tastes better than she ever remembers eating before. Odeen begins answering all of Dua's questions, and before long she is full. The mixture of the words Odeen has fed her and the food creates a need to
melt and the triad melts for an extended period of time.
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As chapter 3c begins Tritt doesn't completely understand what Dua and Odeen are talking about but realizes that during one conversation Dua becomes angry when she realizes that the positron pump that the Hard One Estwald has created will cause the
Sun in the other Universe to explode thus killing all its people
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Odeen explains that this doesn't matter because if the other Sun does explode, it will create a flood of energy that will feed their planet for thousands of years. As Dua and Odeen are yelling Tritt becomes nervous because
several Hard Ones have shown up at the cave.
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Chapter 4a focuses on Dua's intense feelings of sadness that an entire race of people should die to ensure their world lives. The Hard Ones begin to question who of them had been in the lower caverns. Dua is quick to admit she has been there, and less quickly, Tritt admits he, too, went there alone once. Tritt then breaks down crying admitting to
taking a strange food ball to feed Dua that he hooked into her private feeder in her room.
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The Hard Ones are amazed Tritt was able to do the technological alterations to the mechanism himself but say the food ball was experimental and dangerous and could have hurt Dua. Dua is angry and feels betrayed. Tritt shows them that he now has
the third baby growing inside him. Dua runs out and the Hard Ones advise Odeen and Tritt to let her go.
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Chapter 4b begins with Odeen trying to grasp what has just happened. Odeen thought Tritt was slow and stupid but realizes that Tritt, much like Dua and Odeen, must be rather unusual. Tritt says he has his third baby and doesn't care about anything else. Odeen knows somehow he needs to
melt again in order to be gone of the fear that comes from the passing but cannot express this to Tritt.
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In chapter 4c Tritt knows he has his third baby and that is all that matters, but somehow he knows that it isn't .
really all that matters, and he is confused by that.
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Chapter 5a shows that Dua feels certain that Odeen must have known what was going on and pretended to teach her in order to distract her from the unique tasting food Tritt put in her feeder. Dua knows that with the third baby initiated it is only a matter of time before she must pass. Dua decides before she passes she will
find a way to save the world in the alternate Universe.
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In chapter 5b Odeen is able to find Dua, who tells him that she has decided they are nothing more than machines created by
the Hard Ones and that the Hard Ones don't care about them. Odeen cannot convince her to come home.
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After a long time Losten comes to visit Odeen and tells him that Dua must be convinced to come home. Losten knows Dua is communicating with the other Universe, and the Hard Ones fear she is telling them to stop their machine. If they stop their machine before their Sun explodes then the
Hard Ones and Soft Ones will continue to die.
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Losten tells Odeen that
Odeen must think things through and figure them out but says nothing more. Odeen is left confused and scared.
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Chapter 5c begins with Tritt watching the babies. Odeen comes and tells Tritt they must go find Dua. Tritt refuses to leave the babies until Odeen says that the
Hard Ones will take away their children. Odeen explains that they must be made to pass on soon. Tritt is angry and hurt thinking of all the Parentals that have their children for a long time, but Tritt must give his up after just a few days.
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In chapter 6a Dua is still inside the wall of the cave hiding from the Hard Ones. Dua has been trying to communicate with someone in the other Universe, although the pumps still haven't stopped. It has taken so much energy that Dua is near collapsing. In one last frantic attempt Dua spells out that
the pump is bad and must stop. After the message is sent, Dua begins to completely fade away.
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In chapter 6b Odeen comes in with Tritt and finds Dua before she passes on. He is able to feed her food and revive her despite her pleas to let her die. Odeen explains that they melt
and become a Hard One but it cannot be explained to the soft ones because trying it before they have the knowledge for themselves is dangerous. They begin to melt one last time.
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Tritt is crying for his babies. Dua suddenly realizes they cannot stop Estwald because
they are Estwald. Dua cries out at the realization. Then there is no Dua, Tritt or Odeen.
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Dua seems to be the only creature in her Universe that has any thought or feeling for the life forms on the planets that are in the other Universe. Since the story is told from their point of view, it becomes easy to associate and see things in the light that they view it. Despite this they will seemingly become the
villains in some respects since they knowingly set the pump in the other Universe knowing it would kill the other worlds.
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Losten tells Odeen that his triad is the most unique that they have ever created. Since the Hard Ones pick the members of the triad that go together, and these members become the Hard Ones, it appears that
this is type of genetic engineering.
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It is known that the Hard Ones are very different from the Soft Ones, and it seems they look much more like
humans. Despite this their full form will not be explained in much detail.
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When Estwald steps forward after the triad has melted, he says that they must
must get to work. Since the pump is already running, it is unknown to what work he is referring. It also seems that whatever in Dua felt the destruction of the race in the other Universe is wrong is not a strong influence in Estwald.
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It isn't explained how much memory is retained when the triad forms a Hard One. There is some obvious need for a proper combination or it wouldn't have mattered which three get paired together. Despite this it seems Estwald might be an entity
completely separate from Odeen, Dua and Tritt.
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Dua was able to send several messages through, but unknown to her was that the people that were getting her messages were just as unable to do anything about their pump as she was about the one on her planet. Dua wanted something to make her life more meaningful. Although it isn't looked at and explained fully, there is the possibility that her message
to Lamont may have had some influence on Dr. Denison's work later in the story.
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As chapter one begins Selene Lindstrom, the tour guide for the Lunar colony on the moon, is giving a tour to the Earth people that have just arrived. One of them asks to eat with her, and he soon asks about
proton synchrotron. She tells the gentleman that that section of the Lunar colony is off limits to tourists.
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In chapter two Selene is in her quarters with Barron Neville. She tells him about the odd man that she had lunch with and that he asked about the proton synchrotron. Neville becomes very agitated that Selene didn't
catch the man's name or ask why he was interested in the proton synchrotron. Neville orders Selene to see the Earth man again and to find out anything she can about him.
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Chapter three starts in the Commissioner's quarters. The old Commissioner, Luiz Montez, is retiring and the new Commissioner,
Konrad Gottstein, is being briefed on the situation on the moon.
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Montez explains that there is a rift between the Lunarites, those born on the moon, and those from Earth. Montez explains that it is nothing he can raise official flags over but thinks that Gottstein would be wise to
keep an eye open and see if he can find out what is going on in regards to the Lunarites' plans.
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Gottstein then mentions he saw a man arrive on the transport from Earth with him. He recognizes the man as someone who had something to do with
Hallam back years ago but can't recall how. Gottstein knows the man is a scientist of some type.
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In chapter four, Selene finds the Earth man and offers to spend the day showing him around. He admits he is thinking about staying on the moon as an immigrant. Selene says she is to keep him occupied until the
Barron Neville sends for him. The Earth man is confused that Neville would want to see him.
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Selene takes the Earth man to the gymnasium to watch the competitions that go on. The regular tourists are not allowed to go here since .
Lunarites go nude everywhere they go. They watch for several moments until someone from the commissioner's office comes to get the Earth man and take him to see Gottstein.
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Chapter five continues with Selene returning to Neville's room. Neville is upset saying that the Earth man isn't a physicist, as Neville previously thought, but
but a former radiochemist who had his career ruined by Hallam. Neville gets more upset that Selene seems to trust and admits to liking the Earth man and refers to him as Ben.
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Meanwhile in chapter six, the Earth man and Gottstein are talking. The Earth man is Dr. Benjamin Allan Denison, the former colleague of Dr. Hallam's that was ruined after Hallam became the father of the Electron Pump. Denison says he has come to the moon for
a fresh start.
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Gottstein explains that on Earth, a Dr. Lamont arrives at much the same conclusions that
Denison had suggested earlier in his career before being discredited. There are many people that have listened to Lamont enough to think there might be a valid point to his theories.
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Gottstein says he will not interfere with Denison's attempts to work at continuing the research on the Electron Pump as Gottstein believes
Denison is looking to do, as long as Denison keeps Gottstein informed of his progress.
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As chapter seven continues, Denison makes his way to his room to find Neville waiting on him. Neville offers Denison working space to look into
the Electron Pump further. Although the moon has solar pumps that work well, Neville wants their own Electron Pump. Denison explains about Lamont's research and the probability of the Sun exploding as a result of the machine's continued use, but Neville is certain Denison will prove these theories incorrect.
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In chapter eight Gottstein is explaining to Montez how Gottstein hopes that having Denison will give them an access point to finding out what the Lunarites are doing. Gottstein admits he believes
there may be something to Lamont's theories as well.
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In chapter nine Neville is telling Selene he doesn't like Denison but that
Denison will be a good cover to keep the Commissioner busy while the Lunarites work on their project. Neville also says it will allow him to keep an eye on Denison's work.
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Chapter ten begins twenty-eight days after Denison first arrived on the moon. He and Selene are out on the surface in suits exercising. While they are talking Selene asks about the theories that the Electron Pump might make the Sun explode. Denison explains the theories, and Selene states
that Neville believes Denison to be wrong
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It is here that Denison explains that Lamont made a mistake in trying to take the pump away. Denison says no one will do without the pump simply
because it might be wrong because they want their free energy too badly. Selene begins guessing at Denison's meaning in regards to the para Universe and the laws that apply. Denison suddenly realizes that Selene isn't just guessing at anything.
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In the first two sections of the book, there are characters focused on that aren't seen again. Lamont will continue to be spoken of but won't make another appearance in the story. It seems Dua and Lamont both had a major impact on
Denison and his ability to go to the moon to do his research.
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It also appears to be important that Gottstein talked to the Senator about Lamont's theories. Although the Senator told Lamont earlier in the story that he needed to have proof to support his theories, it appears
the Senator was more worried about the possibility of the Sun exploding than he lead Lamont to believe.
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There have been several different cultures looked at in the book up to this point. The first culture was that of the .
scientists on Earth. Very little is focused on their personal lives and it is easy to understand much of their actions, customs, and concerns.
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When the author explained about the beings in the para Universe it was more difficult in some respects to grasp the thinking of the beings and how they could be so kind to one another in many respects and have so little
compassion for the loss of so much life, simply because it was in another Universe. It may be that these beings did care about life and that is what Estwald was referring to earlier in the story when he said there was much to do.
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It becomes easier to understand the characters shown in the third section of the book because they are human, but they have a different set of
codes to live by since they are Lunarites. The fact that they go around nude and have sex partners but don't necessarily marry is a large indication as to how much they are removed from the people of Earth.
120
There has been discussion of genetic engineering and how it is illegal. It will be seen later in the story that although it is illegal at the time that the story is taking place, it wasn't illegal
earlier in history. It is thought that perhaps Selene may have been the descendant from someone who was genetically altered. This is only explained in brief detail
121
There is a lot of talk about a conspiracy theory about which Neville is concerned. The fact that he never comes out to
the surface of the moon is an important point in the story. What he and Selene are talking about will continue to remain a secrete until the last few chapters of the book.
122
Chapter eleven begins with Neville and Selene discussing the fact that Denison now knows that Selene is an Intuitionist. Neville is very upset that Denison knows that Selene can gather information through her thoughts in regards to physics. Selene tells Neville that she is tired of
being hidden like a secret weapon and treated like a mindless tool.
123
Neville is also upset that Selene has been working so closely with Denison and now believes Denison's theories about the Sun exploding to be true. Neville leaves after pointing out that the pump must not be dangerous or the para men
would stop the pumping.
124
In chapter twelve, Selene is walking Denison down a corridor to a place where the Lunar colony has been excavating for new rooms for the people to live in. They stopped when they hit a water reservoir. Most dry up quickly, but this one
did not and so was named The Eternal.
125
Selene tells Denison that Neville is very angry at the tests and the results in regards to the effects of the Electron Pump on the Sun. Neville wants a pump put on the moon and
doesn't want to hear that it might have a negative side effect.
126
Denison explains that in regards to the messages that Dr. Lamont received on Earth, there is at least one being in the para Universe that
cared about the life forms in this Universe to have sent the message warning them about the pump.
127
Denison realizes that since the rules are different in the two Universes that the danger for the other Universe is much different and knows that the para men don't want the pumps to stop. Selene agrees to
help Denison run more tests and find an answer to the problem. Selene and Denison kiss before they leave.
128
Chapter thirteen shows Neville and Selene talking about Denison and then Denison kissing Selene. Neville is upset and demands to know if Selene can get what she needs from Denison without Denison knowing.
. She assures Neville she can.
129
Chapter fourteen begins with Denison and Selene on the surface conducting experiments with the
Pionizer on the surface. They are working with the magnetic field the Pionizer creates when Gottstein arrives
130
Denison is speaking with Gottstein when Selene comes over and shows Denison that the leak point is visible and isn't stable. The leak point that the Pionizer has created is different from the leak point that the Electron Pump has created since
the Electron Pump is set up on two worlds and the Poinizer is only a single machine. Gottstein asks Denison to come and have dinner with him that following night.
131
In chapter fifteen, Neville is excited that Selene got the experiment to work, but Selene says they cannot use it yet since the
leak point is so unstable.
132
Neville is worried the Earth people will try to stop them, but Selene says that it isn't likely. She asks Neville to come to the surface and look the machine over with her, but
Neville makes excuses and Selene leaves.
133
In chapter sixteen, Denison is having dinner with Gottstein and explaining how the Pionizer experiment is working and what the end result will be. While the Pionizer will have a leaking into the Universe of its own,
, the effects will be much less than the Electron Pump and the Pionizer will be in close enough proximity to the Electron Pump to reverse the effects on the Sun.
134
Gottstein listens and then informs Denison that he knows that Selene is
an Intuitionist. Gottstein also says that he saw something going through the air and suspects that there is something more behind Selene's help of Denison than what they know.
135
In chapter seventeen, Denison and Selene have stabilized the leak point. Denison is somewhat disappoint because he knows now that
the government is involved, the project will be more and more out of his hands, and he will have less to do with the project. Denison can start the paper on the work now to be published
136
Selene asks Denison what has been wrong with him for the past two weeks, and he admits he is worried that
his time with her will come to an end now that the project is finished. Selene tells Denison that she chooses to stay and work with him and isn't going anywhere.
137
Denison explains that on Earth Dr. Lamont is being held in much higher regard, and they have offered
Denison a place at any university he chooses.
138
He was worried about the thought of Selene being gone but has decided he will stay on the moon. Denison brings up the subject of
there being more involved than energy in the cross-Universe leaks. Selene and he sit quietly not speaking for some time.
139
In chapter eighteen, Gottstein is talking to Denison about Hallam being demoted, although he has been able to retain
much of his pride since the scientific community didn't want to do damage to the face of science
140
Dr. Lamont is getting a large share of fame out of his role in discovering the problem with .
the Electron Pump. Denison could have anything he wanted if he returned to Earth but has no intention of leaving the moon.
141
Before long, Neville comes into Gottstein's office and the three sit down to talk. Gottstein explains how they will need to build several of the pumps to counteract the Electron Pump. Earth will be in charge of
regulating how much energy the pumps put off but the Lunarites will be in charge of working at the pump stations.
142
Neville listens for a moment and becomes angry and announces that the Lunarites are going to start construction on the pumps in order to
propel the moon away from Earth and be free from the Earth people. Denison asks about those that don't want to leave Earth behind. Neville simply says that those people can leave the moon.
143
Denison offers an alternative and says they can build
large ships and with the amount of power it takes to get the ships moving, they can be built and operational before a mass as large as the moon can be moved very far. Neville doesn't like this idea and refuses to leave his home behind when he leaves the moon
144
Neville announces the decision is final when Selene steps out of a spare room and tells him that
she has talked with others on the moon and has found that most of the population wants to stay where they are and feel that building ships is the better choice.
145
Neville is angry that Selene went and talked to the people of Luna without his permission, but she says
she doesn't need his permission. With the people having spoken, Neville sits with a look of defeat on his face.
146
In chapter nineteen, Selene and Denison are talking in her room. Selene tells Denison that she has been
approved for a second child and wants Denison to be the donor. He accepts and they say that they love each other.
147
The reader has seen enough of Dr. Lamont that it gives his story a solid ending to know that all.
his work and frustration aided Denison in his experiments.
148
There is no mention made of Dr. Bronowski or
Chen in regards to what happened to them.
149
It is clear early on that Denisonisn't what Selene thought of as a typical Earth person. The fact that he is not what she had expected
may be part of the reason that she grew to care for him.
150
Neville wanted Selene to spend time with Denison, in part to
keep an eye on him, but also in part to learn what she could from him. Neville never expected Denison to be a threat to him in regards to Selene. It seems that Selene was able to learn a great deal from Denison, including that she didn't have to listen to everything Neville said.
151
It is unclear what Neville's official title is among the other Lunarites. After he explains that he is going to have the moon moved away from Earth it isn't until Selene comes out of the shadows that
that Neville doesn't have the end say in the matter of the people.
152
It appears that while they have a democracy, shown by the fact that Selene says that the people have voted, that it is possible for
one person to control many choices that are made for the people.
153
Since no more mention is made about the para men, there is no way to know if
they were affected or surprised by the fact that the Sun didn't blow up in our Universe. In many ways the book was left open for a sequel since there were so many things under construction at the end of the book, such as the ships that the Lunarites want to build who are no longer content to stay by Earth.
154
There isn't a full explanation given about Hallam. From what was seen about this character earlier in the story it seems he would be very upset at
his loss of prestige despite the fact that a major crisis was evaded. Hallam also seems like the type is not grateful for any status and power left to him since he enjoyed wielding his power so much.
155
Denison mildly regrets he didn't get to see Hallam's fall from grace, but it is possible, and seemingly probable
given Lamont's hurt ego, that Dr. Lamont was there to witness much of what became Hallam.
156
What kind of role does the Hard One leading the project play? (from Section 2: The God Themselves; Chapter 1a-2c)
Physicist.
Villain.
Hero.
Political.
Hero
157
Who will lead the way to solve the answer to the Universe problem in Chapter 2a? (from Section 2: The God Themselves; Chapter 1a-2c)
Dua.
Estwald.
Tritt.
Losten.
Losten
158
3.
What does having a third baby signify for Dua in Chapter 2a? (from Section 2: The God Themselves; Chapter 1a-2c)
Passing on.
A long life.
Sagging body.
Stress.
Passing on
159
Who believes that there may be something to Lamont's theories in Chapter 7? (from Section 3: Contend in Vain?; Chapter 1-10)
Denison.
Gottstein.
Selene.
Hallam.
Chapter 7 - Gottstei
160
Who is angry at the tests, according to Selene in Chapter 12? (from Section 3: Chapter 11-19)
Denison.
Neville.
Lunars.
Solars.
Nebille
161
What does Gottstein say that he will not interfere with in Chapter 6? (from Section 3: Contend in Vain?; Chapter 1-10)
Mendez's research.
Denison's research.
Lamont's research.
Hallam's research.
Denison's Research
162
What will happen if the machine stops before the Sun explodes? (from Section 2: The Gods Themselves; Chapter 3a-7abc)
The moon will grow.
Dua will have a child.
Tritt will be injured.
The Hard and Soft Ones will die.
The Hard Ones and Soft Ones will die
163
.
What is the message that is spelled out about the pump in Chapter 6a? (from Section 2: The Gods Themselves; Chapter 3a-7abc)
It smells and is growing.
It is bad and must stop.
It is fluorescent.
It is wild and unpredictable.
It is bad and must stop
164
9.
What has Estwald made that makes Dua angry in Chapter 3c? (from Section 2: The Gods Themselves; Chapter 3a-7abc)
Positron pump.
Aubergine.
Electrolyte.
Voltage.
Positron Pump
165
10.
Where does Dua hide in Chapter 3a? (from Section 2: The Gods Themselves; Chapter 3a-7abc)
A tower.
A closet.
A cellar.
A cave.
a cave
166
11.
Who is talking to Gottstein when Selene approaches in Chapter 14? (from Section 3: Chapter 11-19)
Jocelyn.
Hallam.
Denison.
Neville.
Neville
167
Who talks to Denison about being demoted in Chapter 18? (from Section 3: Chapter 11-19)
Gottstein.
Lamont.
Selene.
Hallam.
Gottstein
168
What is the dwelling of the Hard Ones that Tritt visits in Chapter 2c? (from Section 2: The God Themselves; Chapter 1a-2c)
Condominiums.
Caverns.
Treehouses.
Grottos.
Caverns
169
Who insists that Dua must come home in Chapter 5b? (from Section 2: The Gods Themselves; Chapter 3a-7abc)
Odeen.
Tritt.
Foster.
Losten.
Losten
170
.
Why is Neville upset about the man in Chapter 5? (from Section 3: Contend in Vain?; Chapter 1-10)
He is not a physicist.
He is not an artist.
He is not a spy.
He is not an architect.
He is not a physicist
171
Who does Dua hide from in Chapter 3a? (from Section 2: The Gods Themselves; Chapter 3a-7abc)
Lorden.
Odeen.
Tritt.
Foster.
Tritt
172
Why is Tritt angry in Chapter 5c? (from Section 2: The Gods Themselves; Chapter 3a-7abc)
To listen to Odeen.
To give up his child.
To have to leave Dua.
To go military.
TO give up his child
173
18.
If the Pionizer leaks, whose effects will its leaking be less than, according to Denison in Chapter 16? (from Section 3: Chapter 11-19)
Solar Pump.
Gas Pump.
Electron Pump.
Proton Pump.
Electron Pump
174
18.
If the Pionizer leaks, whose effects will its leaking be less than, according to Denison in Chapter 16? (from Section 3: Chapter 11-19)
Solar Pump.
Gas Pump.
Electron Pump.
Proton Pump.
Negtive side effect
175
Whose plans does the old commissioner think it is important to learn about in Chapter 3? (from Section 3: Contend in Vain?; Chapter 1-10)
Lunarite.
Droid.
Solarite.
Earthling.
Lunarite
176
21.
Who came to the same conclusions that Denison did on Earth, according to Gottstein? (from Section 3: Contend in Vain?; Chapter 1-10)
Hallam.
Lamont.
Mendez.
Epstein.
Lamont
177
22.
What creates a desire to melt for Dua in Chapter 3b? (from Section 2: The Gods Themselves; Chapter 3a-7abc)
Fire and water.
Money and possessions.
Words and food.
Sleep and rest.
Words and Food
178
.
Who tells Denison that Selene has special powers in Chapter 16? (from Section 3: Chapter 11-19)
Gottstein.
Dua.
Lamont.
Hallam.
Gottsteon
179
24.
Who is held in higher regard than Denison on Earth? (from Section 3: Chapter 11-19)
Neville.
Lamont.
Hallam.
Selene.
Lamont
180
25.25.
25.
In Chapter 5b, what does Dua learn about the Hard Ones and themselves? (from Section 2: The Gods Themselves; Chapter 3a-7abc)
The Hard Ones created them.
The Hard Ones are their enemies.
The Hard Ones are afraid of them.
The Hard Ones will carry them.
The Hard Ones created them
181
Benjamin Denison is a radiochemist who is working where Dr. Frederick Hallam worked. It was Denison's snide remarks to Hallam that drove Hallam into doing further testing on the material received that eventually leads to the invention of the
Electron Pump. Dr. Hallam receives all the credit for this invention and for his role in its development. Denison is ruined by Hallam's newfound power.
182
Denison is mentioned a few times in the beginning of the story as a brilliant scientist but isn't focused on until the last section of the book. It is Denison, thirty years later, who is able to prove that .
Hallam's pump has the potential for destroying the known Universe, and Denison creates the means to reverse this without completely doing away with Hallam's pump.
183
Denison is an older man when he goes to the moon and, while going there to try and stop the danger Denison knows is most likely coming, Denison seems to be at peace with the way that his life has turned out. He describes his past career as a radiochemist to be brilliant but after Hallam ruined his reputation, Denison had to go into
sales in male cosmetics where rose to the stature of Vice President within his company, explaining that he was brilliant there as well
184
Denison is helped by many people on the moon and the drive to find a way to stabilize the effects of the Electron Pump is due in part to the work of Dr. Lamont. When Denison is able to publish a paper, he insists on giving
Dr. Lamont his due credit for the hard work he did.
185
Dr. Denison falls in love with his assistant, Selene, a woman native born to the moon. She asks Dr. Denison at the end of the story to be
the donor for her next child that she has been approved to have.
186
Dua is the Emotional or Mid part of the triad that eventually becomes the hard one, Estwald. Emotionals are said to be "empty headed," but Dua is different. She is much more interested in
intellectual parts of life than is normal for others like her. This often causes Tritt, the Parental part of her triad, to become upset
187
Dua eventually is able to think enough on her own to discover that something is wrong with the proton pump that has been created. Dua realizes it will
destroy the other planet that is pumping to them. When the other planet is destroyed, their pump will stop, but the explosion will give Dua's planet an unlimited supply of energy and so it is considered an acceptable loss.
188
Dua is the only being on her planet that seems to care that the people on the other side of the pump will die. It is Dua that makes a connection with
Dr. Lamont on Earth and is able to put forth the message that the pump is bad. Dua eventually passes on with the other members of her triad and become the hard one that actually creates the pump. It appears that her pleas for humanity die when she merges with the other two.
189
Fredrick Hallam is the scientist that is labeled the father of the Electron Pump. Hallam has a lot of power. When opposed or threatened by someone, Hallam is known to use that power to ruin careers. Hallam is truly not very intelligent and simply happened
to be lucky in regards to creating the pump.
190
Hallum loses much of his power when Denison is able to prove that Hallam's pump is going
cause the Universe to explode, and Denison creates a pump to counteract the effects.
191
Peter Lamont is the second person to come forward with the announcement that Hallam's electron pump may be dangerous. Lamont is able, with the help of Dr. Bronowski, to make
contact with the beings in the para Universe who urge Lamont to turn off the electron pump because it is dangerous
192
It is Lamont's findings that help drive Dr. Denison's work into finding
a cure for the electron pump's negative effect on the Sun.
193
Selene is a tour guide for
Earthlings that come to visit the moon. She is an Intuitionist who becomes Dr. Denison's assistant. She is approved for a second child by the end of the book and asks that Dr. Denison be the donor, to which he agrees.
194
Losten is the name of the Hard One that is Odeen's teacher. It is Losten that urges Odeen to think hard about what he can do in regards to Dua. It is this urging from Losten that leads Odeen to the truth about
Soft Ones joining to create Hard Ones.
195
Myron Bronowski is the professor that assists Dr. Lamont in trying to communicate with the beings in the para Universe. Bronowski is able to get a message from the beings but ultimately quit working with Lamont because he
he feels it is a lost cause. Lamont had asked Bronowski to help him in trying to communicate with the beings because Bronowski had recently broken an ancient language, Etruscan, that others felt were impossible.
196
Barron Neville is a scientist on the moon. He was born on
on the moon and wants the moon to gain propulsion so that it can leave Earth behind. While there are a few that agree with his point of view on the moon, most refuse this idea.
197
Gottstein is the Earth Commissioner stationed on the Lunar colony on the moon. Gottstein hopes to have enough help from Denison to find out what
the Lunarites are doing. It is Gottstein that happens to see something is flying through space while Selene is making her own calibrations to Denison's experiments. Gottstein helps Denison confront Barron Neville in regards to his plans to take the moon and leave Earth far behind.
198
Senator Burt works on Earth and has a meeting with Dr. Lamont about
the negative effects Lamont believes the Electron Pump is having on the Sun. Senator Burt passes this message along, although he tells Lamont that he can do nothing without proof.
199
Odeen
Odeen is the Rational that makes up the triad that eventually becomes Estwald. Odeen, like Dua and Tritt, is different from other rationals. It is Odeen's job to tell the triad
when it is time to pass on.
200
The Electron Pump is said to be created by Dr. Hallam. The Electron Pump is the creation on Earth that transfers
transfers electrons to the para Universe. It is later discovered that this creation is going to cause the Sun to explode.
201
Para Universe This is the term given to the parallel Universe that sends the instruction to Earth to build
the electron pump. It is in the para Universe that the beings referred to as the Hard Ones and Soft Ones live.
202
It is to the moon that Dr. Denison goes to try and rebuild his life. While here Dr. Denison is able to find a solution to the electron pump problem. Those born on the moon cannot go to Earth because
of the difference in gravity.
203
The Postitron Pump is located in the para Universe. It is the opposite of the Earth's Electron Pump. Dua cannot stop the pump but is able to send a message to Dr. Lamont warning them to
shut down their pump
204
Tungsten is the material for which the beings in the para Universe trade. While tungsten is an ordinary element in our world, in the para Universe
it creates energy. Dr. Lamont sends his messages through to the beings in the para Universe on pieces of tungsten.
205
Commissioner Gottstein offers Ben Denison a chocolate bar that he has smuggled from Earth. Denison refuses this because he says it will
make him want to go home.
206
The Eternal is the name given to the water drip in the abandoned corridors of the Lunar colony. The water supply seems to have gone on forever and Selene explains that the people say that when this dries up it
it will show that something bad is about to happen. Selene takes Denison here to talk in private. It is by The Eternal that Denison kisses Selene.
207
Three Soft Ones make up a triad. There is a Rational, Emotional and
Parental, also known as right, middle and left. When the triad melts for the last time, they become a Hard One
208
Odeen has put a private feeding station in Dua's room. Tritt takes a strange food ball from the Hard Ones' caverns and hides it in Dua's feeder. After Dua eats
her fill at the feeding station they melt and are able to start their third baby.
209
When Denison first arrives on the moon he asks Selene about the
proton synchrotron. It is this question that first gets Barron Neville interested in who Denison is.
210
Selene takes Denison to the gymnasium when she learns he intends to stay on the moon. She explains that regular tourists aren't allowed to go there because
the people are all nude. It is here that Denison watches a melee. After being here for a short period of time a person from the Commissioner's office comes to get Denison from the gymnasium.
211
The struggle for power is seen throughout The Gods Themselves. The most obvious way this theme is shown is in the electron pump. The machine is described as giving them clean, cheap power. Although the humans that develop this power soon begin to struggle over it, it is quickly seen that there is more to the pump that what the humans realize. The electron pump will eventually
destroy the Sun and the human race with it
212
This begins a new struggle for power that is seen in regards to the humans and the beings in the para-Universe. The beings in the para-Universe know the machine will end all life for humans, but
the explosion and energy created when they are gone will feed the beings in the para-Universe.
213
There are other minor struggles seen in the story along with this larger one. The first real struggle for power that is seen is in regards to .
Hallam. Hallam, although not a main character, seems to struggle for power with almost everyone with whom he comes in contact. Hallam's struggle for power is motivated by greed and a desire to be recognized. There will be many other instances that are seen throughout the book as well, increasing the struggle for power theme.
214
There is a clear theme for the need for Energy through out the story. Both Universes want to have an abundant source of energy. The people on Earth, seemingly, are too afraid to look closely at their new source of energy because they don't want to
find a flaw with it. It isn't until more than one brilliant mind comes to the same conclusion about the dangers of the Electron Pump that the people begin to open their eyes to what they have accepted into their own world.
215
Even when some of the characters know there is a possibility the Electron Pump is bad, they realize that
the human populace won't willingly give up their power source despite what is being said.
216
There is also a need for energy that is seen in the para Universe. This need for energy shows itself in a different light. The beings in the para Universe are getting rather close to extinction because they are unable to get the energy they need from their failing Sun to continue life in their world. This need for energy comes from
a need rather than a desire for these creatures.
217
Despite the severity of their situation it becomes clear that the energy has been put above all else, including the lives of those in other worlds. The men on the moon also show a need for energy. They already have an adequate energy source, but
, but it becomes clear that they are not content with this form and eagerly want more.
218
The desire for survival is seen in several different areas of the book. It is Lamont that is first seen realizing that there may be danger involved with the Electron Pump. Consequently, he is the first character that is seen linking his survival to the stopping of
the Electron Pump. This theme isn't introduced until the first section of the story is several chapters in; however, it becomes a very strong theme.
219
In addition to Lamont's desire for survival it is also seen that several other people, including the
the commissioner on the moon and Denison, agree with Dr. Lamont's findings and realize that all of their Universe will be destroyed if they are not able to find a cure for the damage that the Electron Pump has done.
220
Although these are strong needs and some of the characters feel deeply about them, the most obvious theme for the desire for survival comes from the second section of the book when the para-men are featured. The para men don't appear to be vengeful or a warring culture but they do know that
they are dying and that they are going to have to rely on the human's Universe for their energy and future. They want their own survival so much that they are willing to sacrifice an entire other world for it.
221
The desire for survival is also seen in regards to Dua. She is unique which is the reason she is focused on. She has no desire to pass on without accomplishing
something more. Her own fear of death and a desire to accomplish something in her life will drive her to send the message to Dr. Lamont warning him about the Electron Pump. While this message doesn't stop the pump, it clearly has an effect on many people to whom Lamont had been speaking.
222
The story is written in
third person point of view. The view switches between several different characters. The view is limited to the character whose point of view is active; sometimes there will be things the character does or thinks that won't be revealed either
223
Again in the third section of the book it will be seen that the characters whose point of view is active, Selene and Barron Neville, talk about a mysterious something for which they are looking. It isn't discovered until much later in the story that they are looking for a
propulsion system
224
There is much of the story told through inner dialogue and events that are being recalled by individuals in the story. There is much dialogue that takes place as well and many of the technical aspects of the plot are described to the reader through dialogue. One of the characters often might discuss or explain something in lay terms. These explanations will be
crucial for the reader to have a better understanding of what is going on in the story.
225
The story has several different settings. While each setting is very different they are all set
in the future. The first setting is on Earth in the distant future. This setting doesn't have a particular place and there is not much description given to explain how Earth looks. It seems that the knowledge that it is the Earth of the future is mainly what the author wishes to convey.
226
The second setting is much more difficult to understand. It is the parallel Universe which has sent instructions to Dr. Hallam on how to set up the
the Electron Pump. This setting is very different from Earth. It is known by the time that the parallel Universe is shown that the laws of physics are different in this world than on Earth. The beings on this planet are different, and the way the Electron Pump affects their world is different
227
The Hard Ones on that planet seem to be much more human in description than the Soft Ones, but this description is also vague. It is known that the planet that these beings live on has a large amount of rock and that the beings seemingly all live in
caves and caverns of some type.
228
The final setting is that of the Lunar colony on the moon. This setting incorporates facts that are already known about the moon, such as the differences in the gravitational field and lack of water, and the result is that it is easy for the reader to establish a mental picture of the planet. While the rooms and the physical layout of the Lunar colony is described in some detail, there is a lot of the story that is focused on explaining the differences in the
cultures between the Earth population and the culture found on the moon
229
The language in the story is very straight forward and easy to understand. There are some differences in the language when the author looks at the beings that live in
the para Universe.The language in that section of the book is easily understood, but there are words and phrases that aren't immediately recognized. There are several things that have to be explained to the reader in regards to the para men, such as the Triad, Rational, Emotional, Parental and what the Hard Ones and Soft Ones are. It isn't a different language so much as that the meanings of familiar words are used differently than typical. The culture is one that has been created simply for the use of this story, so it may take the reader a moment to grasp the meaning of some of these terms
230
The Gods Themselves by Isaac Asimov consists of two-hundred and ninety three pages and is further divided into three sections. Each of the sections of the book is given a title. The first section of the book is title "Against Stupidity...", the second "...The Gods Themselves..." and the third
Contend in Vain?".
231
Both the first section and the third section of the book have their chapters numbered, beginning with one. The first section has ten chapters and the third section has nineteen. The first section of the book doesn't actually start with chapter number one but with chapter
six. Chapter six isn't ended but stops after a short time and then goes to chapter one. Little pieces of chapter six are introduced between each chapter until the end of chapter five, at which time chapter six is fully concluded and then the story proceeds in chronological order
232
The middle section of the book "...The Gods Themselves..." has its chapters numbered, but each chapter focuses on an individual of the triad that will eventually become Estwald. Each of these chapters will have a letter beside it indicating one of the members of the triad. The chapters are numbered 1a, 1b,1c, 2a and so on. This pattern continues until chapter seven when
all the members of the triad melt the last time to permanently make Estwald. When this happens they are not individuals any longer and chapter seven is numbered 7abc.
233
The Lunarites have different views on relationships than people on Earth. Given the way that relationships are looked at why is Barron Neville so upset when Selene tells him that she and Denison kissed?
??
234
In the para Universe, there is some background given about the triads. Considering the Emotional is the last baby born, and the hardest to conceive, speculate on the reasons why it is called the middling?
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Discuss Dr. Peter Lamont's character from what is shown in the story. Why does Dr. Lamont cry at the end of the first section? Explain your answer.
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Explain Barron Neville and his personality. Why is Neville so eager to get away from Earth? Why are ships not an alternative he is willing to consider?
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The Hard Ones pick which three Soft Ones will eventually make up a hard one. Is this the same as genetic engineering? Explain your answer.
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Selene is an Intuitionalist. This is never explained in great detail but there are several instances in how it is used that are shown. Explain what an Intuitionalist is based on what is seen in the book.
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This story was written in 1972. In the story Senator Burton says that what people want is their own individual comfort rather than the environment saved. How is this view different from the current one? How is it the same. How has our view of the environment changed since 1972?
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Explain why the beings in the para Universe seem unconcerned with the fact that the Sun in the other Universe will explode? What does this say about those people and their culture? Explain.
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and a long feeding break of one of the characters translates into a
two-week gap on Lamont's side. -- time is differet
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Rationals (or "lefts") are the logical and scientific sex; identified with
masculine pronouns and producing a form of sperm. They have limited ability to pass through other bodies
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Emotionals (or "mids") are the intuitive sex; identified with the
feminine pronouns and provide the energy needed for reproduction. Emotionals can pass freely in and out of solid material, including rock.
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Parentals (or "rights") bear and raise the offspring, and are identified with
masculine pronouns. Parentals have almost no ability to blend their bodies with others, except when helped by one or both of the other sexes.
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All three 'genders' are embedded in sexual and social norms of expected and acceptable behavior. All three live by
photosynthesis; whereas sexual intercourse is accomplished by bodily collapse into a single pool (known as 'melting'
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Rationals and Parentals can do this independently; but in the presence of an Emotional, the "melt" becomes total, which causes orgasm but also results in
unconsciousness and memory loss. Only during such a total "melt" can the Rational "impregnate" the Parental, with the Emotional providing the energy.
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"Stone-rubbing" is a practice of partially melting with solid objects like rocks, possible for
Emotionals, but the other genders are only capable of it in a very limited form. It is an analogue of human masturbation and generally frowned upon. Dua appears to be the only one who practices it while married.
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The hard ones regulate much of soft one society, allocating one of each sex to a mating group, called a "triad", and acting as mentors to the Rationals. Little is shown of "hard one" society; wherefore the Emotional Dua, the protagonist of this section of the book, suspects that the "hard ones" are a dying race, retaining the "soft ones" as a
replacement for their absent children
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Dua is an oddball Emotional who exhibits traits normally associated with Rationals, resulting in the nickname "left-em". By engaging in teachings from Odeen, she also discovers the supernova problem that Lamont uncovered in the first section; outraged that the
the Pump is allowed to operate, she attempts to halt it; but cannot persuade her own species to abandon the Pump, given that their own sun and all the other stars in their universe can no longer provide the energy necessary to reproduction; whereas the destruction of Earth's sun might provide a more reliable source of energy.
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Driven by an innate desire to procreate, Tritt, the "Parental" of the triad, at first asks Odeen to persuade Dua to facilitate the production of their third child. When this fails, Tritt steals an energy-battery from the Pump and rigs it to feed Dua, which stimulates the total melt resulting in conception. Dua discovers this betrayal and escapes to the caves of the hard ones, where she
transmits the messages received by Lamont. This effort nearly exhausts her mortally; whereupon she is found by her triad. Here, it is revealed that each melt, in addition to causing reproduction, briefly creates a hard one (the fully mature form of the species), which gradually becomes the organism's permanent state.
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Odeen convinces Dua that the hard one they will become will have influence with the hard ones to stop the Pump; but during their final metamorphosis, Dua realizes
(too late to prevent irreversible union) that 'Estwald', the Pump's creator, is her own triad's 'hard' form.
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The third part of the novel takes place on the Moon. Lunar society is diverging radically from that of Earth. The lower gravity has produced people with a very different physique. Their food supply is manufactured from algae and distasteful to inhabitants of Earth. They enjoy low-gravity sports that would be impossible on Earth,
such as an acrobatic game like "tag" performed in a huge cylinder (these sports are vital to them, since their metabolism is still that of Earthmen, and proper strain must be maintained for it to function properly).
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Some Lunarites want to further adapt their bodies to life on the Moon, but Earth has outlawed genetic engineering decades ago. Lunarites are beginning to see themselves as a separate race, although procreation between them and Earth people is quite common. Sex, however, is
problematic, since an Earthborn person is likely to injure his or her partner due to loss of control. Sexual morals are loose, and nudity is not taboo.
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The plot centers on a cynical middle-aged ex-physicist named
Denison, briefly introduced in Part 1 as the colleague and rival of Hallam whose snide remark drove Hallam to investigate the change in his sample of tungsten and, eventually, develop the Pump. Finding his career blocked by Hallam, Denison leaves science and enters the business world, becoming a success.
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Denison, independently of Lamont, deduced the danger in the Electron Pump. He visits the Moon colony hoping to work outside of Hallam's influence using technology that the Lunarites have developed. He is helped by a Lunarite tourist guide named Selene Lindstrom. She is secretly an Intuitionist (a genetically engineered human with superhuman intuition), who is working with
her lover, Barron Neville.
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Neville and Selene are both part of a group of political agitators who want independence from Earth. The group particularly wants to be allowed to research ways to use the Electron Pump on the Moon. Although solar energy is plentiful enough to power their underground habitats Neville wants
to live entirely underground and never have to venture out on the surface. With the scientists' help, Denison gets access to the technology and proves that the strong force is indeed increasing, and will cause the Sun to explode.
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Denison continues his work, tapping into a third parallel universe that is in a pre-big bang state (called 'cosmic egg' or 'cosmeg'), where physical laws are totally opposite to those of Dua's universe. Matter from the cosmeg starts with very weak nuclear force, and then spontaneously fuses as our universe's physical laws take over. The exchange with the second parallel universe
both produces more energy at little or no cost, and balances the changes resulting of the Electron Pump, resulting in a return to equilibrium
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Selene clandestinely conducts another test showing that momentum can also be exchanged with the cosmeg. Denison catches her and forces her to admit her secret purpose: Neville thinks the momentum exchange can be used to
move anything without using rockets, including the Moon itself. He wants to break away from Earth in the most complete way possible. Denison is appalled, although he sees the potential of the technology to make travel within the Solar System easier and to the stars possible.
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When Selene discusses Neville's plan with the rest of the group, most of them agree that moving the entire Moon will be meaningless, and building .
self-sufficient sublight starships will be better. A later public vote goes against Neville as well. Hallam is ruined by Denison's revelations. Selene and Denison become a couple. Having received permission to produce a second child, Selene requests Denison to become its father. The novel ends with them deciding to try working around the sexual incompatibility problem.
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Asimov took the names of the immature aliens—Odeen, Dua, and Tritt—from the words
One, Two, and Three in the language of his native Russia. (The original forms are odin, dva and tri).
