Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in 2001: A Space Odyssey, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Collaboration vs. Individualism
Tools and Human Evolution
Space Travel
The Perils of Knowledge
Summary
Analysis
To Poole’s annoyance, the original AE-35 proves not to be faulty after all. Bowman suggests that Hal’s internal fault predictor could be incorrect, but Poole argues it is more likely that their own testing equipment is faulty. They report the dilemma to Mission Control, which confirms Poole and Bowman’s findings that the unit is not faulty. They ask them to wait for further testing, but hint that they may need to temporarily disconnect Hal for further diagnosis. Poole reports this to Bowman, and the two discuss the issue tactfully, not wanting to embarrass Hal, knowing he is listening. A strained air enters the once peaceful environment of the ship.
Hal's incorrect diagnosis of the impending failure of the AE-35 unit introduces unspoken tension on the ship. Despite Hal supposedly being devoid of human emotions and concerns, such tension suggests that he may be bothered by the ongoing discussions of his mistake and the possible need to temporarily disconnect. At the very least, Bowman and Poole clearly feel uncomfortable discussing such issues in front of him, a testament to their growing uncertainty as to Hal's ontological status. He may be a computer, but in many ways, he is beginning to act more like a human.
Themes
