Babel 17

Babel 17 by Samuel R Delaney intrigued me in a different way than any of the other readings thus far. I think that, more than the style or the plot, the general subject matter caught my attention. I enjoy novels, stories, and other works of writing that delve into the inner workings of humans, whether that be on an individual, group, or universal level. Babel 17 does this in its exploration of language and manipulation. Although I wasn’t able to get through the entire book, what I did read gave me a good sense of the confusion and alteration that the characters experienced while conversing in such particular ways.

I also appreciated the attention to detail that Rydra Wong demonstrates throughout the plot. In particular, her observations of very specific muscle movements in relation to a person’s internal activity were fascinating. It highlights the advanced capability that humans have when we apply our energy accordingly. Much like how we admire a magician who performs seemingly impossible tasks, we can admire Rydra in recognizing her power does not lie in magic or fantasy, but within well practiced focus.

This leads to a thought I have concerning fantasy, science fiction, and horror genres in general. It seems that connections to “reality”—whether they be subtle or grand—enable us to connect with the story on a more personal level. For example, it is more difficult for us to feel fear of a story of a monster that exists exclusively in the arctic than the tale of a neighborhood ghoul that licks bedroom windows at night when you’re not looking. Babel 17 incorporates this technique by including emphasis on brainpower and logic within a fantastical environment. Although we recognize that our own lives are very different from those in this story, we can recognize their use of reason and will.