The Variable Man by Philip K. Dick
In a future where humanity has colonized other planets, the protagonist, a brilliant scientist, creates a machine that can travel through time and space. He uses it to send himself back in time to prevent his own death, but instead finds himself in a world where he is a prisoner of war. The story explores themes of identity, free will, and the consequences of playing with time and technology. The protagonist's attempts to change the past ultimately lead to chaos and destruction, highlighting the dangers of meddling with events that are meant to unfold as they do. Through this narrative, the novel examines the nature of reality and the human condition, raising questions about the reliability of perception and the fragility of existence.
By Philip K. Dick · First published 1957 · Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Speculative Fiction · 4 chapters · 31,730 words
First lines
He fixed things -- clocks, refrigerators, vidsenders and destinies. But he had no business in the future, where the calculators could not handle him. He was Earth's only hope -- and its sure failure!
Security Commissioner Reinhart rapidly climbed the front steps and entered the Council building. Council guards stepped quickly aside and he entered the familiar place of great whirring machines. His thin face rapt, eyes alight with emotion, Reinhart gazed intently up at the central S. R. B. computer, studying its reading.
What this Textopian page supports
The Variable Man is listed on Textopian as a novel by Philip K. Dick, dated 1957 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Philip K. Dick
- Date: 1957 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Speculative Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Short Story
- Length: 31,730 words
- Structure: 4 chapters, 884 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Similar titles
- The Dead Past by Isaac Asimov
- The Edge Of The Knife by H. Beam Piper
- The Pendulum by Ray Bradbury
- The Impossible Voyage Home by F. L. Wallace
- The Return by H. Beam Piper
- The Answer by H. Beam Piper
Genres
- Science Fiction — The narrative explores advanced technology and its implications on society, a hallmark of the genre.
- Dystopian — The setting presents a future society with oppressive systems and existential themes.
- Speculative Fiction — The story speculates on the nature of reality and human experience through its unique premise.
- Philosophical Fiction — The themes provoke deep questions about identity, free will, and the nature of existence.
Tags
Science Fiction · Alternate History · Time Travel · Paradox · Identity Crisis · Existentialism · Philosophy · Psychological Thriller · Dystopia · Human Condition · Free Will · Determinism