Quote ID
Who said, “I wake up, screaming. My heart’s going like a jackhammer”?
(Pg 29) Leon is having a dream of when he almost died under the ice.
This experimental drug repairs Leon’s brain damage and dramatically increases his intelligence.
Hormone K
How does Leon’s ever changing intelligence change his self identity?
Leon sees himself merely as a superior piece of intelligence.
This common sci-fi trope appears when a drug or experiment pushes human intelligence beyond natural limits.
Science enhancing human abilities.
"The roles one plays become recognizable only with greater maturity. To me, these people seem like children on a playground; I’m amused by their earnestness, and embarrassed to remember myself doing those same things."
Intelligence Vs. Humanity
Who said, “Have you ever considered self-destruction commands”?
(Pg 67) Reynolds is the character that inflicts the self destruction command on Leon.
After nearly dying, Leon survives this traumatic event that begins his transformation.
Drowning in ice-cold water.
Does the short story argue that intelligence leads to moral superiority or moral detachment? Why?
Extreme intelligence leads to moral detachment. Leon becomes less ethical, due to his immense knowledge and power
The CIA monitoring Leon reflects this common sci-fi theme of powerful institutions trying to control enhanced individuals.
Near-death transformation.
“Of course, I actually experience far fewer emotions than I could; my development is limited by the intelligence of those around me.”
Isolation as the Cost of Superiority
Who said “But this time, I know they’ll pass”?
(Pg 36), Leon knows the dreams will pass as this is his second time experiencing the side effects of Hormone K.
This government agency secretly tracks Leon and tries to recruit/control him.
CIA
At what point does Leon become more obsessed with knowledge over humanity?
Leon progrssively becomes a cold hearted person with no empathy for one another and clear evidence of this occurs when he's introduced to Reynolds.
Leon’s transformation after nearly dying fits this classic sci-fi origin trope, where trauma leads to new powers.
Government control of special humans.
“Your indifference toward the normals would be justified if you were enlightened.”
Knowledge as a power and a burden
Who said, “Your indifference toward the normals would be justified if you were enlightened”?
(Pg 65), Reynolds is establishing a moral hierarchy over Leon as he still shows empathy unlike Leon.
This single-word command activates the hidden mental triggers that ultimately kill Leon.
Understand
What internal fear does Leon face in his interactions with Reyonlds?
Two powerful characters coexisting together, which evidently will not work, as they have two juristically different plans.
Leon inventing a new language reflects this sci-fi trope where advanced minds outgrow normal human communication.
Superintelligence/science surpassing human limits.
“Have you used the destruct command on normals?... Once, as an experiment on a drug dealer.”
Ethical limits of power
Who said, “I’ve just been informed: adverse side effects have been found.”
(Pg 41), Shea is lying to Leon in order to get him to come in so the CIA can stop him before Leon becomes too powerful.
The story suggests that extreme intelligence amplifies this flaw in Leon, leading to his downfall.
Hubris/Selfishness
What’s the short story’s best explanation of the balance between empathy, intelligence, and isolation?
Inteligence Increases -> Empathy Decreases -> Leading To Isolation
Unlike many sci-fi stories with heroic arcs, this story diverges by ending with this tragic outcome for the protagonist.
Downfall/death of Leon
“Furthermore, actually constructing the device wouldn’t give me any particular satisfaction, since I already know it would work, and wouldn’t illuminate any new gestalts.”
Knowledge is limiting