The Dispossessed part 2: Why would capitalism make me do this?

This week we wrap up our discussion of Ursula LeGuin's 1974 classic The Dispossessed.

Simultaneity physics: just a mcguffin, or deeper thematic significance? How is it different to a block universe? Does this count as hard sci-fi?

on the [redacted] scene: why would LeGuin include this? how are we supposed to feel about our hero Shevek? why would capitalism make me do this??

Final thoughts on the book: was Shevek's arc satisfying? who would we recommend it to? are we gonna read more LeGuin?

Ted Chiang story coming soon. plus special guest episode!

CHAPTERS

• (00:00:00) shevek’s arc or lack thereof


• (00:11:20) talking about THAT scene


• (00:16:40) Simultaneity theory unpacked


• (00:25:45) Final thoughts on the book

WRITE US:

We love listener feedback. Send us a note at [email protected] to correct our hot takes, add your own, or ask a question.

NEXT ON THE READING LIST:

• Truth of Fact, Truth of Feeling - Ted Chiang


• Everything is Illuminated - Jonathan Safran Foer


• One Hundred Days of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez