Woman on the Edge of Time is not a fan of modern-day science. Scientists in the novel mostly seem to want to experiment on people and put implants in their brains.
On the other hand, Mattapoisett imagines a world in which science helps create a paradise—automation allows people to avoid unpleasant jobs; growing children in tubes allows for gender equality. So it's not so much that science is evil, as it is that a bad society makes bad science and a good society can use science to make things better. If Dr. Frankenstein had been born in Mattapoisett, he would have built a happy monster (presuming the council had approved his project).
Questions About Science
- How is science used differently in Mattapoisett and the alternate, evil future Connie sees?
- Are the scientists in the hospital interested in helping Connie? Explain your answer.
- Does Luciente seem like a scientist to you? Why or why not?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
In Mattapoisett, science has transformed society.
In Mattapoisett, society has transformed science.