Stranger In A Strange Land

9 Pages 2152 Words

Robert Heinlein’s “Stranger in a Strange Land” is considered one of the greatest works of science fiction ever written. The literary work has an incredibly well designed plots, lucid and strong characters and uses real scientific arguments and theories with a sound structure. Throughout his works Heinlein has become known as a writer that uses factual information and specifics about politics, linguistics, economics, sociology, mathematics, genetics, parapsychology etc., “Stranger in a Strange Land” is an excellent example of this writing style. The novel touches on humanity at its best and worst. Aspects of all side of culture are examined including the big ones, religion, money, power, love and sexuality. (Angelo 2002)
Some works of literature leave a mark on society, because of their insight because of their diction, because they have some unique characteristic that leaves part of itself with the reader. I believe that “Stranger in a Strange Land” left it’s mark on western culture. In fact this novel was referred to as the bible of the sixties. (Angelo 2002) The novel is a story about a man that was raised by Martians and then brought back to earth in his early twenties. This is an incredibly unique situation that allows the reader to re-experience what it is to be human from a different perspective.
“Stranger in a Strange Land” was enormously popular and quite risqué when it was published in 1961. At the time it was published it’s social critique, religious diversity and unique views of gender relationships and human sexuality caused quite a stir. Some even credit the novel with spawning the “free love” or communal style living of the sixties. Interestingly enough, even the publisher of the novel ordered it to be cut by 70,000 some odd words so that it might be deemed socially acceptable. Whatever the case, the book was widely read by those who liked it and those who did not. (Angelo 2002)
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