Mind and Body

Paper Summary:

This paper reviews two science fiction novels, the 'Necromancer' by William Gibson and 'Sparrow' by Mary Doria Russell. According to the paper, both novels underline the importance of the physical state of individual bodies in shaping society. The paper further discusses how in both books, the central thesis is that modern humanity denies the effects of the body, upon the mind and society, at its peril.

From the Paper:

"In Mary Doria Russell's Sparrow, the novel depicts an alien, primitive world that is interfered with by outside forces. Once the delicate balance between two warring tribes on another planet is upset by outside influence, chaos breaks loose. Also, the novel's main character is initially subject to another kind of physical alteration, because he is priest. The novel is concerned not simply with how the individual natural body is impinged upon by technology and changed, but also by how the interference of celibacy affects the mind and body--by withholding the body's natural functions through attempted improvement, more harm may be done. It shows how a community of priests is created on earth characterized by physical noninvolvement, and also how the priest's involvement in the environment of another world changes that world."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Brians, Paul. "Study Guide for William Gibson Necromancer (1984)." 29 Aug 2005. Department of English, Washington State University. [5 Jun 2006] http://www.wsu.edu/~brians/science_fiction/neuromancer.html#1
• Gevers, Nick. "Of Prayers and Predators. Maria Doria Russell Interviewed." Infinity Plus Non Fiction. 1999. [5 Jun 2006]http://www.infinityplus.co.uk/nonfiction/intmdr.htm
• Gibson, William. Necromancer. New York: Ace Hardcover, 20th Anniversary Edition, 2000.
• Russell, Mary Doria. Sparrow. New York: Bantam, 1997.

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