Post Six/Seis

This week, Douglas Adams’ work of literature has astonished me yet again. As I read more of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, I began to think this whole novel was one big satire. Not only did Adams stretch the universal laws of physics, but he does it in a very humorous way throughout the book. This could be the reason why his science fiction work is so funny. The story being so comical could also be a cover up for the annihilation of planet Earth that occurs and most people believe that could happen. The author basically stretches the truth for most of the book but which scientific fiction writer doesn’t? Getting back to the story, Arthur meets an old man named Slartibartfast who is able to explain the beginning of Earth. Slartibartfast also goes on to say that the second most intelligent animals, dolphins, were able to escape the destruction of Earth. Of course, Adams demonstrates how mice were actually the most intelligent animals on our insignificant planet. A good description of why Earth was destroyed is found in the context of the book; “it was destroyed five minutes before the completion of the purpose for which it was built.” This vague description generally summarizes the way Adams explains most of the mysteries of his book. However, Slartibartfast explains to Arthur how the Earth began. It involves a machine building another machine in order to figure out the answer to the universe. Arthur, being an Earthman, doesn’t quite understand this so the old man plugs a Sens-O-Tape into him. Chapter 27 ends leaving the reader wondering and wanting to read more. I’ve also noticed that this “cliffhanger” concept occurs many times in the book.