In 2021, a large number of people have migrated to Mars. Androids are commonly used as personal servants in this advanced time period. Rick Deckard, a bounty hunter for the police, is given the task of capturing and “retiring” (essentially killing) five escaped nexus-6 androids. These androids are a new and highly advanced type that closely resemble and surpass human abilities.
During his pursuit, Rick begins to question concepts of humanity and empathy, leading him to struggle with his belief in human morals. John Isodore, also known as a “chicken head,” suffers from mental difficulties due to exposure to radioactive dust. Unbeknownst to him, he provides refuge for the remaining three nexus-6 androids while the other two have already been eliminated. Eventually, when the final confrontation takes place and Rick is about to retire the last three androids, he encounters Isodore.
The primary theme of the novel revolves around empathy as a determining factor of a life’s value. This theme is repeatedly explored throughout the story. Rick Deckard, the main character, uses empathy as a basis for defining human nature and the meaning of life. He despises his electric sheep because it lacks empathy, despite behaving like a normal sheep. Following the same reasoning, Deckard concludes that it is acceptable to kill androids, as they also lack empathy. Killing androids is his job and provides purpose to his life.
Deckard’s understanding of the distinction between humans and androids, as well as empathetic individuals and those lacking empathy, is challenged throughout the story. He encounters people who seem to lack empathy but still have the ability to act, while also witnessing androids displaying empathetic emotions towards other androids. This causes him to question his own beliefs about life, human nature, and consciousness. The novel consistently explores this theme alongside another theme: decay versus regeneration. After World War Terminus, Earth is in chaos; most people have migrated to Mars due to radioactive dust, numerous animal species are on the brink of extinction, and those who remain on Earth are experiencing cognitive decline caused by the effects of the dust.
The decay becomes evident in the void and kipple (the remnants left by emigrants to Mars). Simultaneously, regeneration appears in creatures such as spiders residing in the kipple, electric animals, and androids which possess lifelike qualities. Our perspective on the story is provided by the first-person narrative of Rick Deckard, our protagonist. It is through Deckard’s experiences that we acquire knowledge.
The character Rick Deckard experiences an internal conflict as he develops empathy towards androids, contradicting his past beliefs, job, and understanding of life. This newfound empathy allows him to redefine his purpose and find a new way to justify his job. John Isodore, another major character in the novel, also faces internal conflict as he grapples with being a “special,” which he feels embarrassed about. Being mentally challenged due to exposure to radioactive dust isolates him from society, resulting in loneliness.
In an attempt to resolve this issue, he makes contact with the remaining three nexus-6 androids. Through their conversations and actions, the personalities of these characters are revealed. However, it is the setting that truly plays a vital role in this novel.
The story maintains a gloomy tone throughout. Originally set in 1992, the story was written in 1968. To adapt it for the future, the date was changed to 2021 (as 1992 is in the past). Between the present and 2021, a world war known as the world war terminus took place. Many believe this war was a nuclear conflict, succeeding World War 2 and causing widespread destruction. Consequently, the world is now plagued by radioactive dust, leading many people to migrate to Mars in an effort to ensure human survival.
The book spans 24 hours, exceeding the time it takes to read its 210 pages. This rapid pace of events is noteworthy. It also delves into the political landscape of 1968, particularly during the Cold War when powerful countries were arming themselves with nuclear weapons. The impending threat of a devastating nuclear war was a collective worry at that time, rendering this novel a cautionary tale. Moreover, the book critiques capitalism’s detrimental effect on human nature by emphasizing its negative consequences.
The novel depicts a society where the betrayal of others is driven by selfishness and the pursuit of personal economic gain. This theme is exemplified by the actions of the Rosen Corporation, which manufactures identical androids with the sole intention of making money, even at the expense of individuals like Rick Deckard, a bounty hunter who faces risks in his job. Furthermore, Deckard himself has no intentions to rethink his perspective on androids as their elimination financially benefits him. It is important to mention that Blade Runner, released in 1982, is a movie adaptation of Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep.
The movie, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Harrison Ford, achieved great success and is still considered a highly influential science fiction film. While there are different opinions about which version is better, the adaptation did leave out important aspects from the book, particularly those related to mercerism.
Mercerism is a significant religion in this futuristic society. It acts as a second reality, enabling people to connect with others around the world. This connectivity becomes increasingly important as social interaction becomes more difficult due to the world’s ongoing destruction. Through this connection, individuals experience empathetic emotions towards one another, as they collectively face similar obstacles. The purpose of mercerism is to enhance empathetic feelings, which ultimately serves as humanity’s only salvation in preventing its downfall.
Mercerism aids Deckard in accepting his newfound comprehension of existence. However, the film omits this aspect, resulting in a substantial loss of Deckard’s transformation and the genuine importance of empathy. Another character excluded from the film is Buster Friendly, an android disguised as a television personality. By utilizing mass media, Buster undermines mercerism and its advocacy for empathy, ultimately seeking to establish equality between androids and humans.
Two video games based on Blade Runner were released after the movie. In addition, in 1982, a Marvel Comics adaptation of the movie titled “A Marvel Comics Super Special: Blade Runner” was also released.
