We're assuming Robinson has never been to Mars, but given how vividly he describes the crimson sunsets and chocolate-colored dust storms haloed in light in Red Mars, we certainly wouldn't be surprised if anybody thought he had been. Pardon the cliché, but his words really do paint us a picture of the alien landscape. And these visions of Mars are more than just pretty words to pass the time; they're an important theme in the novel as well.
The planet Mars has always captured the imagination of humanity. We've associated it with everything from gods to destiny to a setting for some really baller science fiction stories. Looked at this way, without ever setting foot on the planet, it seems Mars has already begun to occupy and alter humanity through the power of imagination alone.
Questions About Visions of Mars
- Why Mars? Seriously, why do you think this story had to be told on Mars instead of, say, the Moon or Venus?
- Which character do you think is most changed by their interaction with Mars? The least changed? Does this suggest to you any themes or ideas for the novel? What are they?
- Has your time reading about Mars changed your outlook on the Red Planet? Your own planet? Why or why not?