Short Fiction · Chapter
The Common Man explained
Don Crowley reveals his plan to form the Common Man Party, funded by insider trading and supported by shady political operatives.
What happens
Don Crowley reveals his plan to form the Common Man Party, funded by insider trading and supported by shady political operatives. He coerces Dr. Braun, Ross Wooley, and Patricia O'Gara into producing more of their invisibility serum, then volunteers to be the test subject. After experiencing invisibility, he returns and a heated debate ensues among the three scientists about whether the discovery should be released to the public, with Patricia arguing that the common man cannot be trusted with such power.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Corruption
Crowley's pursuit of wealth and political power through the Common Man Party, using insider trading and coercion, illustrates the corrupting influence of power.
Rebellion and Revolution
The Common Man Party represents a populist rebellion against the established two-party system, aiming to upend the political order.
Technology and Alienation
The invisibility serum raises questions about the ethical use of technology and its potential to alienate individuals from societal norms and consequences.
Characters to notice
- Donald Crowley
Reveals his ambition to launch the Common Man Party using illicit funds and coerces the scientists to produce more invisibility serum.
- Frederick Braun
Participates in the debate about releasing the invisibility serum, citing historical atrocities to argue against its public release.
- Ross Wooley
Argues that people are fundamentally good and that the serum should be released, but is challenged by Patricia and Dr. Braun.
- Martha O'Gara
Leads the argument against releasing the invisibility serum, citing historical examples of societal cruelty when restraints are removed.
Key passages
“If they really decide to devalue, then Whitely and me, we go ahead and put every cent we got into Swiss gold. Then the day after devaluation, we switch it all back into dollars again. Double our money.”
Crowley plans to profit from currency devaluation by buying Swiss gold and then converting back to dollars.
Illustrates Crowley's financial scheming and corruption.
“The average man’s getting tired of the same old talk from the Republicans and Democrats. Paul Teeter thinks we might have a chance in the next election, given enough dough to plow into it.”
Crowley believes the Common Man Party can win elections by appealing to voters disillusioned with the two major parties.
Highlights the populist rebellion theme.
“Did you ever hear of Rome and the games? Here a whole people, millions of them, were given the opportunity to indulge in sadistic spectacles to their heart’s desire. How many of them stayed home from the games?”
Patricia uses the Roman games as an example of how people will indulge in cruelty when given the chance.
Supports her argument against releasing the serum.