DIMENSION X
Universe
November 26, 1950
Universe was adapted by George Lefferts for Dimension X from a novella by Robert Heinlein. The radio play first aired on November 26, 1950. Heinlein's novella was published in the May 1941 issue of Astounding Science Fiction. It was followed up in the October 1941 issue with the novella Common Sense, a sequel to Universe. The two stories were combine in the book Orphans of the Sky, first published in 1963.
This is one of the first Science Fiction works to depict a "generation ship." In addition to the innovative storytelling devices, it also explores societal and religious concepts through analogy. The story is set in a stratified society in which a man in the "scientist class", Hugh, confronts doubts and meets a mutant who changes his worldview. Hugh tries to share his new insights, but his epiphany does not lead to the result he expects.
HISTORICAL GLOSSARY
When Hugh responds to Alan's question about why he challenged and threatened The Witness he says, "...well, I just saw red, I guess." I am not sure how common this expression is any more but "seeing red" means to be overwhelmed by a feeling of anger or rage to the point of losing control of oneself. This idea of losing control due to rage was used as a plot device in Ancient Greek literature and was blamed on the gods. They called it Divine Mania and it motivated heroes to go on a rampage during battle, or when something triggered them. In Norse literature during battle, or when triggered, warriors would be overcome with a trance-like fury that made them lose control as well. And Marvel Comics uses the idea for Logan, one of the X-Men, and calls it Berserker Rage.
The name of the mutant Bobo has a meaning, but not the meaning English speakers of the 21st Century have for the word. In Spanish the meaning of the word "bobo" lies somewhere within the continuum of "stupid" and "dumb". It is kind of derogatory but not as derogatory as calling someone stupid. Clowns are often called "bobo" because of their foolish antics. Today it refers to a person of wealth who tries to live minimally and espouses anti-materialistic values. It is a combination of the words "bourgeois" and "Bohemian". Its usage was identified by linguists in the year 2000. But bobo as a clown, and as it is used in this radio play, has roots in the early 1900s.
If you would like a FREE PDF copy of the script just let me know at insights2reality@gmail.com.
21 окт 2024
