Notes on Today's Class--Literature of the Future

Today was productive in both sections.  We continued the discussion we began last week about the basic plot of Asimov's Foundation, along with new characters introduced in Part 2.  Finally, we discussed some themes that are beginning to bubble to the surface now that the story has some momentum.

Plot
Part 2 begins 50 years from the ending of Part I

The "Encyclopedia" is almost finished

Unique to planet Terminus is the fact that there are no metals--tough to build there

The Galactic Empire is in decline, o my!

Not only is the Empire in decline, but some planets/people in the galaxy do not like the Empire.  OH MY

The reader is introduced to planet Anacreon

Terminus is threatened by Anacreons, who want it for its tactical location.

New Characters

• Pirenne--He is more of an Encyclopedia-centered guy who is on the Board of Trustees on Terminus
• Mayor Hardin--Recently invited to the Board, he is less focused on the Encyclopedia and more focused on the lives of the citizens on Terminus
• Lord Dorwin--He offers some levity halfway through part 2 due to his unique manner of speech--he does not pronounce his Rs.  ("It seems uncommonly woundabout and hopelessly wigmawolish method of getting anywheahs.")  He's also an amateur archaeologist who doesn't take the scientific method too seriously...

Themes / Major Ideas

• Control--There is an emerging issue regarding control of Terminus, control of information, etc.  Stay tuned.
• There is a sense of encroaching DOOM.
• Knowledge--how is is acquired, its value, and the value of book knowledge vs. newly discovered knowledge.
• Citizen Empowerment--Mayor Hardin is tryin' hard to rally the troops...

Great discussions today!  Thanks for all your contributions..

Reading homework--read through page 139.

There is a fantastic audio version of the Foundation Trilogy at the internet archive here.

Meanwhile, the famed economist Paul Krugman credits Asimov's Foundation Trilogy as inspiring him to become an economist.  You can read his article here.