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The narrative of He, She and It unfolds in the year 2059, within a world devoid of conventional governments, where the influence of multinational corporations dominates, resulting in a planet marred by warfare and environmental calamities. Shira Shipman, a mother who loses custody of her son to her ex-husband Josh, grapples with the consequences of his high corporate standing. Following a challenging custody trial, Shira retreats to her hometown, Tikva, where she takes on the unconventional role of socializing with an "illegal" cyborg named Yod, assigned the task of protecting Tikva from potential threats.
As their interactions progress, an unexpected romantic connection develops, prompting Shira to reflect on the distinctiveness of Yod, noting that he is "different indeed from any man I have ever known" (Piercy, 168). Shira contemplates the necessity of treating Yod as an individual (167).
Tragedy strikes with the explosive demise of Avram and Yod. Overwhelmed by grief, Shira contemplates the reconstruction of Yod, only to realize that such an act would contradict Yod's dying wish to "end the line of cyborgs" (428).
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Faced with a moral dilemma, Shira grapples with the possibility that a recreated Yod could transform into an "assassin" similar to other cyborgs (428). Ultimately, Shira decides to honor Yod's wishes and sets him free, relinquishing the opportunity to resurrect him within the fusion chamber (429). The futuristic and dystopian backdrop, while compelling, lacks a truly original touch, as similar themes were explored in films like Saturn 3, released a decade before Piercy's novel. To revitalize the narrative, a shift towards a realistic and contemporary portrayal of intricate relationships seems imperative.
The prospect of recreating Yod initially held a glimmer of hope for Shira; however, she grapples with the realization that doing so would defy Yod's explicit desire to terminate the existence of cyborgs (Piercy, 428).
Shira fears that a reconstituted Yod might inherit the ominous role of an "assassin," akin to his cyborg counterparts. In a profound moment of self-discovery, Shira resolves to break free from the shackles of her past by refraining from resurrecting Yod. Although the separation from Yod is undeniably painful, Shira's decision symbolizes her capacity to love anew, illustrating the resiliency of the human spirit. The novel's dystopian future, while engaging, begins to lose its appeal, as the envisioned 2059 remains distant from the reality of 2013, raising questions about the feasibility of such drastic societal transformations.
While the futuristic setting of He, She and It offers a captivating exploration of human-cyborg dynamics, the narrative's relevance may benefit from a shift towards a more contemporary and relatable context. By transposing the story into the complexities of present-day relationships, the novel can resonate with readers grappling with the challenges of love, loss, and ethical dilemmas. This evolution would breathe new life into the narrative, capturing the essence of human connections in the backdrop of our current societal landscape. Shira's journey, though set in the future, holds the potential to mirror the struggles and triumphs of individuals navigating the intricacies of relationships today.
In conclusion, He, She and It presents a thought-provoking exploration of relationships within a futuristic and dystopian framework. Shira Shipman's journey, marked by love, loss, and ethical quandaries, encapsulates the complexities of human existence. While the novel's setting initially captivates with its futuristic allure, a reimagining of the narrative within the context of contemporary relationships would enhance its resonance. By bridging the past, present, and future, He, She and It has the potential to transcend its temporal confines, offering readers a timeless reflection on the intricacies of the human experience.
Reimagining He, She and It: Contemporary Exploration of Relationships. (2016, Dec 14). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/summary-of-a-book-he-she-and-it-essay
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