Some books want you to laugh, some books want you to cry. 2001 wants you to gasp. To that end, it gives you bigness—big, vast sweeps of time, big vast sweeps of space, big vast fiery suns coming at you. Time and space, 2001 says, are really huge and impressive. Why aren't you impressed yet? Look, it's a big slab—and a bigger slab—and the biggest slab ever, with stars in it. Be impressed. Be very impressed.
Questions About Awe and Amazement
- Would the vistas of 2001 be more awe-inspiring in a film than on the page? Why or why not?
- Can Moon-Watcher feel awe? Can Hal? Is awe a particularly human emotion in 2001?
- Are there any expressions of love, or demonstrations of love, in 2001? Does awe replace love in the book?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Aliens are the most awe-inspiring thing in 2001.
Humans are the most awe-inspiring thing in 2001.