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Science fiction is one of the best genres for complex, fascinating studies of human nature. Although it seems to be concerned about the future of humanity and all the technological possibilities that come with it, sci-fi is, at its heart, about our ever-changing relationship with the world around us. The species thrives on studies about it the human psyche against accelerated changeand how we as a species are changing as a result.
No book better explores these thematic concerns than David Mitchellis the masterpiece of 2004 Cloud Atlas. The ambitious and sprawling novel tells a series of stories spanning thousands of years, balancing both historical fiction and meta-fiction to produce one of the most original and unique works of the new millennium. Among his many strengths, Cloud Atlas also has the best last line in modern sci-fia deceptively simple yet powerful feeling that perfectly encapsulates the book’s themes and sci-fi’s greatest concern with human nature.
What is ‘Cloud Atlas’ about?
Cloud Atlas it has a singular structure, consisting of six unique storieseach experienced in some way with the next’s protagonist. The first five stories appear in history and end in a cliffhangerleads to a sixth self-contained story set in a post-apocalyptic future. From there, each of the original stories picking up where he left off in chronological order.
The five stories are: “The Pacific Journal of Adam Ewing“about an American lawyer suffering from mysterious poisoning while on a trip across the Pacific;”Letters from Zedelghem,” about Robert Frobisher, a struggling writer engaged in a complex arrangement with the aging composer Vyvyan Ayrs;”Half-Lives: The First Mystery of Luisa Rey,” about journalist Luisa Rey’s investigation into corruption and targeted assassination at the HYDRA nuclear plant;”Download the book Timothy Cavendish,” about an old book publisher who is tricked into committing himself to a brutal nursing home; and “Orison of Sonmi-451“about a clone who takes part in a rebellion against the corporate culture of the state. The sixth story, “Sloosha’s Crossin’ and ‘Evrythin’ After,” set in a post-apocalyptic Earth and follows a tribal man and a woman from an advanced society as they make their way to the ruins of the Mauna Kea Observatory to learn a hidden truth.
Cloud Atlas often received rave reviewswith praise going to its bold and grand narrative, structure, character work, world building, and thematic concerns. Criticism often points out how the book’s reach is far beyond understanding and how it can feel incomplete in its intentions. A film adaptation came out in 2012, co-written and co-directed by the Wachowskis and Tom Tykwer and features an ensemble cast including Oscar winners Tom Hanks, Halle Berryand Jim Broadbent next to Ben Whishaw, Hugh Grant, Hugo Weave, Jim Sturgessand Doona Bae. The film is a solid translation of a novel that was once considered unfilmable, even if some of its creative choices are a bit hard to accept.
What is the bottom line of ‘Cloud Atlas’?
Because of the back-of-the-book approach, the narrative ends with the second part of The Pacific Journal of Adam Ewing. Set in the middle of the 18th century, the story is largely based on him the title character wakes up to the crimes around himfirst by witnessing the brutality of a Moriori man named Autua, whom he helps to get a job on board the ship on the way to Hawaii. Once Ewing finds out that he has been poisoned by his friend, Dr. Henry Goose, he is too weak to stop him or defend himself before he is saved by Autua. Realizing that he owes Autua, Ewing decides to join the abolitionist movement.
Reunited with his wife and family, Ewing expresses his wishes. A pro-slavery father-in-law dismisses the idea of abolition“one drop in an infinite ocean“Proud and sure of his choice, and with the full support of his loving wife, Ewing fires back at the man, delivering one of the most beautiful lines ever written in modern sci-fi:”What is an ocean but many drops?“Therefore, Cloud Atlas ends his larger-than-life, millennial narrative with a simple yet powerful and evergreen sentiment that perfectly sums up not only the book’s lofty intentions but also captures one of the true purposes of sci-fi as a genre: to show the impact of one life across time and space.
Why is the final line of ‘Cloud Atlas’ still powerful?
At first glance, this phrase may seem simple and not particularly modern. After all, the power of one person over a vast array of things is an idea that has been consistently explored in numerous works across many genres. However, there is something beautiful in the way Mitchell presents his final statement. For starters, the phrase has an incredible lyricism to it; it is not just a romantic way of presenting a simple idea, adding not only literary flair but also a layer of poetry.
Second, the importance of the phrase in the story of Adam Ewing. Ewing is not a bad person, but he begins his story depressingly unaware of the injustices that surround him. Through it, Mitchell investigates How easy it is to blind yourself to the facts of the world when cruelty is normalized in society. Ewining must literally come close to the brink of death to realize that his life must have a higher purpose, that it can indeed make a differencenot only in Autua’s life but in the lives of many others.
Finally, the meaning of the quote is in the context of science fiction. Some of the best works in literature, from lord of the rings to Brave New Worldfollow inspiring stories of individuals making a difference through their choices. In Cloud Atlas, Ewing’s words and actions reverberate across time and space. His diaries from the mid-18th century found Robert Frobisher in 1931, and his letters help Luisa Rey in 1975. Luisa’s revealing book awakens Cavendish’s rebellious spirit against the nursing home staff in the 2000s, and his later biography inspires Sonmi’s spiritual awakening in the 22nd century. Sonmi later becomes a deity in the post-apocalyptic world, her final witness being her teachings.
Here, we see how one single man set in motion a series of events that spanned thousands of years and inspired countless actionsas little as a love letter and as much as a complete revolt against the corporate state. A single drop could actually be strong enough to move an entire ocean, starting with a ripple that eventually became a wave before disappearing beyond the horizon. Cloud Atlas Truly one of the best sci-fi books of the 2000s, and its powerful finale is just one of the main reasons why.
