Science fiction often deals with allegory, postulating “what if?” questions concerning present day Earth, with the possible solutions and outcomes beaming from a mirror image reflected from a familiar yet altogether different reality. By examining real problems under the light of imaginary technology, far fetched ideas, and otherworldly beings, the science fiction author affords himself a unique perspective into the inner workings of humanity.
Written in 1972, Isaac Asimov's The Gods Themselves (winner of the Hugo for best novel in 1973), examines three important aspects of its time. The novel is broken up into three interconnected novellas: Part One, “Against stupidity...”, Part Two, “...the gods themselves...”, and Part Three, “...contend in vain?”. Each of these parts can be read as a stand alone story, and each one focuses on a different topic. While there are some connections between the three parts, certain characters and events are mentioned throughout, an attempt is never made to weave them together in an elaborate fashion. That is to say, there is never an “ah ha!” moment where Asimov reveals some grander meta-narrative bubbling away beneath the novel's surface; each part relies solely on its own strengths as a self-contained story.
Part One deals with a crisis of science, of energy to be more specific. With the U.S. oil crisis of 1973 looming heavily upon the country, it is no wonder that the exploration of alternative energy became a science fiction staple, and in light of a real world crisis the idea was handled with even more gravitas. Here, the narrative focuses on a battle of wits between two scientists, Dr. Lamont and Dr. Hallam. A new kind of energy is discovered, quite accidentally, by Dr. Hallam; a seemingly endless supply of energy birthed from the exchange of particles between our universe and a para-universe. Touching briefly upon the genesis of string theory and the idea of an endless number of parallel universes, Asimov's idea for a new source of energy is quite fascinating, and not altogether improbable. Soon, Dr. Lamont discovers a terrible problem with Hallam's Electron Pump, the device used to exchange energy with the para-universe, and thus the two scientists collide, one driven by pride, the other by a desire to save humanity.
Part two completely switches gears, and settings. Here Asimov takes us into the para-universe, and onto the world with which Humankind is exchanging energy. This novella focuses on ideas of feminism, sociology, and sexual discovery. The beings of this world are classified as “Hard Ones” or “Soft Ones,” depending on their physiological make up. The Soft Ones are further divided into three different sub-sects, each representing a different part of the psyche: the Parental, the Rational, and the Emotional. The Soft Ones mate in threes, and it takes an Emotional, a Rational, and a Parental to form a complete triplet. The three Soft Ones Asimov focuses on are, Odeen (the Rational), Dua (the Emotional), and Tritt (the Parental) (their names a play on the Russian words for the numbers one, two, and three). This triplet, like the Homo-Gestalt in Sturgeon's More Then Human, represents an important evolutionary leap in its own society, and by challenging societal norms and sexual taboos, the triplet discovers a great secret of their own society.
Part three returns us to our own universe, and takes place on the moon. For many years now the Earth has benefited from the Electron Pump, and is enjoying pollution-free energy and cleaner living. But at what cost? There are still those who believe that the Electron Pump will eventually destroy the entire universe, but convincing people to change their ways is, as we all know, an almost impossible task. Ben Denison is a scientist who believes in the dangers of the pump, and he has recently immigrated to the moon. While on the moon he deals with problems of racism and nationalism: the natural Lunites don't much care for the Earthmen. Except for Selene, a native Lunite and an Intuitionist who helps Denison in his studies, the other “Lunies” want as little to do with the “Earthies” as possible. Here, Asimov combines the hard scientific elements of the first part with the sociological elements of the second part into a brilliantly paced and poignant conclusion.
While there may not be a cohesive, driving narrative running throughout Asimov's novel, there really isn't a central conflict and hardly anything gets resolved, it is none-the-less a work of brilliance. Science fiction is all about the ideas, and the ideas on display here are both topical and timeless, entertaining and insightful. That Asimov is able to entertain the us while simultaneously asking us tough, important questions is an extraordinary accomplishment. There were many moments when I set the book aside simply to contemplate the meaning of what I had just read. This is a book to mull over, and not a book to plow through anticipating the next plot-point. The story unfolds like a rich tapestry of ideas and of thought, expertly woven by a man filled with passion for its subject and characters.
