2001 doesn't do much in the way of characterization, so it doesn't provide its characters with much in the way of dreams, hopes, or plans. What does David Bowman want out of life? Who knows. But while there aren't a lot of personal dreams in the book, there is a kind of diffuse species dream. The aliens want humans to progress and reach the stars, and that's sort of what Moon-Watcher and his descendants want too. The book is itself a hopeful dream—a New Age vision of humans transcending. 2001 dreams that one day, we'll all be space babies.
Questions About Dreams, Hopes, and Plans
- Do Moon-Watcher's slab-inspired dreams come true?
- Are the aliens better planners than humans? Why or why not?
- Does Hal have plans or dreams? What are they?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
In 2001, humans are the dreams of aliens.
In 2001, aliens are the dreams of humans.