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At a Glance:
Full Title 2001: A Space Odyssey
AuthorArthur C. Clarke
In-depth Facts:
Type of WorkNovel
GenreScience Fiction
LanguageEnglish
Time and place written1960s, U.S.
Date of First Publication1968
PublisherNew American Library
NarratorOmniscient
ClimaxBowman thwarts Hal's attempt to rid Discovery of human life
ProtagonistDavid Bowman
AntagonistHal
Setting (time)2001
Setting (place)Earth, the Moon, a Spaceship
Point of ViewOmniscient narrator who tells of disparate events spanning the universe
Falling ActionBowman is swallowed by the Star Gate
TensePast
ForeshadowingThe destructive potential of nuclear weapons at the end of part one, Hal eventually trying to run the ship alone (end of Chapter Sixteen), the challenges to face the crew during the voyage (end of Chapter Seventeen), virtually countless others—they are everywhere.
ToneDetached and scientific
ThemesThe Perils of Technology, Evolution, Space Exploration
MotifsOmniscient Narration, The Accouterments of Space Travel, Technological Malfunctions
SymbolsHal
