Short Fiction · Chapter
The Point of View explained
Dixon Wells visits van Manderpootz, who introduces his new invention, the attitudinizor, which allows one person to see the world through another's eyes.
What happens
Dixon Wells visits van Manderpootz, who introduces his new invention, the attitudinizor, which allows one person to see the world through another's eyes. Van Manderpootz explains his theory that reality is subjective and that the world itself is merely a point of view, citing Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle. After initial reluctance, Dixon tries the device and experiences van Manderpootz's perspective, finding colors and shapes unrecognizable and gaining insight into the professor's low opinions of Carter and Miss Fitch.
Themes in this chapter
Perception and Subjectivity
The entire chapter revolves around the idea that reality is subjective and depends on the observer's point of view, as demonstrated by the attitudinizor.
Technology and Its Consequences
Van Manderpootz's attitudinizor is a technological device that allows one to adopt another's viewpoint, but its use is disorienting and reveals uncomfortable truths about how others are perceived.
Characters to notice
- Dixon Wells
The narrator and reluctant test subject of van Manderpootz's attitudinizor; he is initially skeptical but eventually tries the device.
- Van Manderpootz
The inventor who explains the theory of subjective reality and demonstrates the attitudinizor; he is proud of his genius and dismissive of others.
- Carter
Van Manderpootz's technical assistant, seen through the professor's point of view as a plodding, unintelligent drudge.
- Miss Fitch
Van Manderpootz's secretary, described as plain and unattractive; through the attitudinizor, she appears to the professor as barely human, like a piece of laboratory equipment.
Key passages
“Therefore there are as many worlds as there are points of view.”
Each person's unique perspective creates their own version of reality.
Van Manderpootz's core philosophical claim about subjective reality.
“Oh, wad some pow'r the giftie gie us to see oursel's as ithers see us.”
If only we could see ourselves as others see us.
Van Manderpootz quotes Robert Burns to justify the purpose of the attitudinizor.
“I assure you that my viewpoint will be much less apt to get you into trouble than your own.”
Van Manderpootz claims his perspective is safer than Dixon's.
Van Manderpootz tries to persuade Dixon to try the attitudinizor.