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Re: I didn't like the excessive description of the types of clouds on Solaris. everynametaken Send a noteboard - 23/04/2010 03:33:14 AM
The other question is whether there is a motive for the appearance of the people. Did Solaris just scan the people the way they've been scanning Solaris? Was it trying to say something about our entire approach to it? Was it a more chemical or automatic biological reaction by Solaris but not indicative of sentience? Do we not understand Solaris because we don't truly understand ourselves yet?


This is one of the questions I kept coming back to. What is the nature of the visitors? In some ways I think the descriptions of the different formations on Solaris gives us a clue. Just as Solarists keep categorizing the different formations as indicative of some kind of organization that is part of the nature of the ocean; maybe Solaris is viewing the researchers in the same way, viewing our unconscious processes as a way we organize our minds. Of course Lem isn't clear on the nature of the visitors so other theories are just as valid too including Solaris screwing around with the fears of and regrets of the scientists or even the visitors being an accidental byproduct of Solaris's probing.
But wine was the great assassin of both tradition and propriety...
-Brandon Sanderson, The Way of Kings
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Sci-Fi Book Club: SOLARIS by Stanislaw Lem Jacob - 19/04/2010 05:50:45 PM 2128 Views
Roll-Call: Have you read it? Are you reading it? Like it: Yes/NO? *NM* Jacob - 19/04/2010 05:52:00 PM 768 Views
I read it back in January. Tom - 19/04/2010 06:23:29 PM 1410 Views
I read it years ago, and liked it. *NM* Legolas - 19/04/2010 06:41:36 PM 723 Views
I just finished it. Rebekah - 19/04/2010 06:54:49 PM 1390 Views
Well, to be fair, Jacob - 20/04/2010 08:12:17 PM 1334 Views
Heh. Rebekah - 21/04/2010 08:31:51 AM 1542 Views
Re: Well, to be fair, Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:06:06 PM 1271 Views
That was how I felt too. Tashmere - 20/04/2010 11:39:15 PM 1125 Views
I read it 3 years ago, and liked it. Linda - 19/04/2010 06:58:37 PM 1680 Views
Yes, I read it. Must be something like... eh. it was before the clooney horror movie came out? *NM* jh - 19/04/2010 07:23:15 PM 778 Views
I read it, and liked it. wahooka - 19/04/2010 07:33:16 PM 1402 Views
I plan to Camilla - 19/04/2010 07:41:21 PM 1519 Views
I might re-read it in a few days Larry - 19/04/2010 09:11:35 PM 1334 Views
I'm currently reading it Mark - 20/04/2010 10:00:05 AM 1576 Views
That has always bothered me too. Jacob - 20/04/2010 08:20:56 PM 1240 Views
I am with you on that. It may not be rational or my reasons have to do with vanity Tashmere - 20/04/2010 11:18:53 PM 1160 Views
Re: When you look through Lem's page on Solaris covers, that one is the least interesting. Danae al'Thor - 24/04/2010 10:01:50 AM 1262 Views
Indeed Camilla - 11/05/2010 03:02:26 PM 1253 Views
It was a while since I've read it Ellestra - 22/04/2010 05:33:44 AM 1235 Views
I have started reading it Camilla - 11/05/2010 11:10:53 AM 1193 Views
Translation: Jacob - 19/04/2010 05:54:57 PM 1462 Views
I read it in Russian, which was very close to the original. Tom - 19/04/2010 06:25:00 PM 1451 Views
I'm not sure now, I think I read it in Dutch. Legolas - 19/04/2010 06:43:30 PM 1364 Views
English translation by Joanna Kilmartin and Steve Cox (1970). Rebekah - 19/04/2010 06:56:54 PM 1332 Views
Translation of a translation, actually. *NM* jh - 19/04/2010 07:22:18 PM 710 Views
Yes, I did read Jake's intro piece there. *NM* Rebekah - 19/04/2010 07:23:44 PM 712 Views
I figured you were not accurate enough. jh - 19/04/2010 07:26:54 PM 1327 Views
Pffft. Accuracy is for nerds. Rebekah - 19/04/2010 07:31:52 PM 1406 Views
That was the one I read. Tashmere - 20/04/2010 01:43:01 AM 1572 Views
Read a swedish translation back then. jh - 19/04/2010 07:28:14 PM 1224 Views
Yes, the version I read was translated from polish. All the names were intact from the original *NM* Dragonsworn - 20/04/2010 12:17:42 AM 774 Views
I read it in Czech wahooka - 19/04/2010 07:40:05 PM 1577 Views
I also read a Swedish translation. Linda - 19/04/2010 07:41:31 PM 1793 Views
1970 translation from French to English by Joanna Kilmartin and Steve Cox everynametaken - 20/04/2010 02:20:42 AM 1453 Views
I have a different opinion on this. Jacob - 20/04/2010 08:17:06 PM 1347 Views
I've read it in Polish Ellestra - 22/04/2010 05:32:33 AM 1166 Views
Re: So it's flat and boring? Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:50:38 PM 1304 Views
Re: Does anyone know why the Polish publishers haven't commissioned another translation? Danae al'Thor - 24/04/2010 10:04:38 AM 1302 Views
Rights issues, I beieve Larry - 24/04/2010 10:48:53 AM 1342 Views
So 'we' have read the novel in 6 different languages. Jacob - 27/04/2010 09:20:02 PM 1195 Views
I read the English from French translation Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:10:42 PM 1155 Views
This was my general experience as well. Jacob - 17/05/2010 06:53:58 PM 1209 Views
So. Uh. The chick's name was Rheya in the book I read. Not in other translations? Rebekah - 19/04/2010 07:42:16 PM 1343 Views
Her name in the original is Harey, it got changed to Rheya somewhere along the way of the wahooka - 19/04/2010 07:49:33 PM 1354 Views
In Russian it was just Hari, or, more precisely, Хари. *NM* Tom - 19/04/2010 10:28:49 PM 696 Views
I haven't looked into the reasons yet, outside of what would seem obvious, Jacob - 19/04/2010 09:26:11 PM 1336 Views
Re: I think the translators just thought Harey wasn't immediately accessible as a feminine name. Danae al'Thor - 24/04/2010 09:59:17 AM 1434 Views
That is what I assumed as well. Jacob - 26/04/2010 09:40:45 PM 1241 Views
I probably got more out of it than I first thought. Tashmere - 20/04/2010 11:37:52 PM 1150 Views
Re: I do that too! Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:51:39 PM 1198 Views
It is certainly a book that makes you think... Jacob - 26/04/2010 09:46:31 PM 1178 Views
Literature vs. Genre Fiction Jacob - 21/04/2010 02:33:21 PM 1365 Views
Re: Literature vs. Genre Fiction lyringlas - 21/04/2010 08:44:24 PM 1356 Views
Re: Literature vs. Genre Fiction Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:19:31 PM 1195 Views
Re: Panorphaeon - 21/04/2010 09:09:02 PM 1308 Views
How do you know Solaris was an advanced intelligence? Tom - 22/04/2010 01:20:35 AM 1230 Views
Fair enough. Panorphaeon - 22/04/2010 09:04:58 PM 1299 Views
But I think that is Lem's point. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:20:18 AM 1289 Views
Good point Tom. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:14:23 AM 1178 Views
It's definitely literature Tom - 22/04/2010 01:19:34 AM 1145 Views
You might be winning me over to your thoughts here. Jacob - 26/04/2010 09:42:33 PM 1125 Views
In all fairness to my opponents, Solaris is one of my strongest cases. Tom - 26/04/2010 10:16:20 PM 1094 Views
As long as you realize... Legolas - 26/04/2010 10:26:00 PM 1153 Views
This is why I sort of float around on this issue. Jacob - 27/04/2010 05:49:39 PM 1243 Views
Re: This is why I sort of float around on this issue. Camilla - 13/05/2010 10:15:38 AM 1239 Views
Very well put. Jacob - 17/05/2010 06:51:27 PM 1107 Views
Re: Very well put. Camilla - 17/05/2010 06:53:13 PM 1230 Views
This book is definitely literature. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 02:59:48 AM 1285 Views
Re: This discussion gives me hives. *NM* Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:52:09 PM 659 Views
Understandable. Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:31:08 PM 1155 Views
Hmmm Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:18:42 PM 1257 Views
What didn't you enjoy? Jacob - 21/04/2010 09:47:06 PM 1146 Views
I didn't like the excessive description of the types of clouds on Solaris. Tom - 22/04/2010 01:17:22 AM 1096 Views
This was what I disliked too Ellestra - 22/04/2010 05:46:05 AM 1316 Views
Re: I didn't like the excessive description of the types of clouds on Solaris. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:33:14 AM 1176 Views
Re: I found it made this stark contrast with his descriptions of his own, more human environment. Danae al'Thor - 24/04/2010 09:56:40 AM 1403 Views
That is an interesting take. Jacob - 27/04/2010 05:53:23 PM 1234 Views
I didn't really find anything difficult about it. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:38:48 AM 1259 Views
The only thing that bothered me... Jacob - 03/05/2010 07:06:42 PM 1363 Views
So, is there really anything to discuss about the story itself? Larry - 22/04/2010 08:55:03 AM 1316 Views
Apparently not. Tom - 22/04/2010 01:38:24 PM 1355 Views
True Larry - 22/04/2010 09:29:53 PM 1184 Views
Point of fact, Jacob - 23/04/2010 02:53:47 PM 1226 Views
Perhaps it's time for a self-reevaluation then Larry - 24/04/2010 10:45:44 AM 1600 Views
They never claimed to have a monopoly on guiding the discussions. I am just happy they are starting Tashmere - 25/04/2010 05:51:01 PM 1199 Views
Thank you for telling me how I should prioritize my life, Larry. Jacob - 26/04/2010 04:54:01 PM 1387 Views
At least I am not as quick to repeat the same excuses Larry - 26/04/2010 05:13:08 PM 1550 Views
I was originally gonna reply to your previous post, then decided not to. Guess I will now. Legolas - 26/04/2010 05:42:15 PM 1402 Views
Thank you. Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:41:17 PM 1335 Views
Well, when my sleeping is screwed up, interpretations are going to be wonky, it seems Larry - 27/04/2010 06:21:57 PM 1298 Views
One point... Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:34:02 PM 1221 Views
Posting while irritated and about to crash does little good, it seems Larry - 27/04/2010 06:20:19 PM 1292 Views
The delay to the review is my fault. I've got a mostly finished one. I'm just not happy with it. Rebekah - 27/04/2010 07:19:35 PM 1250 Views
It wasn't the review I was irritated about, but thanks for doing it Larry - 27/04/2010 07:39:08 PM 1186 Views
Ah. OK. Rebekah - 27/04/2010 07:47:09 PM 1321 Views
Thanks Larry - 27/04/2010 07:58:54 PM 1207 Views
I'm a bit ambivalent on the merits of this approach of yours. Legolas - 26/04/2010 05:32:19 PM 1164 Views
You highlight my only frustration with the thread. Tom - 26/04/2010 05:48:01 PM 1518 Views
I am mostly just trying the approach out as something a little bit different. Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:23:12 PM 1258 Views
Re: So what do you think about any of those things? Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 08:30:55 PM 1175 Views
I've posted my thoughts on most of those issues in various places in this discussion. Tom - 24/04/2010 05:02:44 AM 1364 Views
Re: I think I'd just like for you to be more proactive and Start A Thread. Danae al'Thor - 24/04/2010 09:50:26 AM 1257 Views
I was sort of being lazy. I'll do so now. *NM* Tom - 25/04/2010 03:20:12 PM 665 Views
A question about Lem. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:49:57 AM 1204 Views
I've only read one other book by him, The Cyberiad Larry - 23/04/2010 04:03:19 AM 1309 Views
Re: A question about Lem. Ellestra - 23/04/2010 07:26:18 PM 1325 Views
Thanks. everynametaken - 24/04/2010 06:42:05 AM 1319 Views
Yes Camilla - 24/04/2010 02:43:17 PM 1285 Views
My main thoughts on Solaris by Stanislaw Lem everynametaken - 23/04/2010 02:50:10 AM 1559 Views
Re: About that "worst" thoughts issue. Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:49:04 PM 1452 Views
Re: About that "worst" thoughts issue. Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:35:48 PM 1348 Views
I came away with the same message you did on the first point. Tashmere - 25/04/2010 04:46:09 PM 1164 Views
Re: My main thoughts on Solaris by Stanislaw Lem Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:31:32 PM 1317 Views
Re: So I have no team spirit and should be lynched. Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:41:48 PM 1208 Views
I finally watched Avatar for the first time tonight. Tashmere - 25/04/2010 04:27:34 AM 1176 Views
Solaris was, I hope, better than Avatar. Tom - 25/04/2010 04:54:12 AM 1161 Views
Re: I finally watched Avatar for the first time tonight. Ellestra - 25/04/2010 01:52:19 PM 1213 Views
It had more to do with recognizing mankind's tendency to imposes their ideas on other cultures. Tashmere - 25/04/2010 05:35:25 PM 1239 Views
Misplaced answer . *NM* Tashmere - 25/04/2010 04:40:27 PM 561 Views
On identity and communication: do we love only ourselves? Tom - 25/04/2010 03:35:34 PM 1232 Views
I did spend a lot of the book speculating on what the planet was trying to do with those supressed Tashmere - 25/04/2010 05:05:38 PM 1288 Views
The argument: (From the text and some thoughts) Jacob - 27/04/2010 06:22:34 PM 1167 Views
Yes Camilla - 12/05/2010 10:10:30 PM 1321 Views
That is a great idea... Jacob - 17/05/2010 06:58:48 PM 1244 Views
Re: That is a great idea... Camilla - 17/05/2010 07:02:44 PM 1265 Views
That settles it. I am going to have to reread it. Tashmere - 13/05/2010 12:23:14 AM 1192 Views
It is interesting you should say that. Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:56:26 PM 1456 Views
That is the second time this week that I have heard something about Derrida. Now I am going to have Tashmere - 13/05/2010 12:02:56 AM 1331 Views
Derrida is great. Camilla - 13/05/2010 10:06:49 AM 1354 Views
Is Solaris alive? Is Solaris sentient? Tom - 25/04/2010 03:40:57 PM 1192 Views
I can't decide. Rebekah - 25/04/2010 03:54:39 PM 1330 Views
An interesting point to consider... everynametaken - 25/04/2010 10:41:17 PM 1340 Views
Re: I can't decide. Camilla - 12/05/2010 10:05:21 PM 1136 Views
Re: Is Solaris alive? Is Solaris sentient? everynametaken - 25/04/2010 10:31:58 PM 1321 Views
Ooohhhh. I like that theory. Tashmere - 25/04/2010 11:32:15 PM 1304 Views
Does it make a difference? Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:29:44 PM 1156 Views
Re: Is Solaris alive? Is Solaris sentient? Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:57:05 PM 1323 Views
What do you think the biggest message of the book is? Tom - 25/04/2010 03:47:03 PM 1260 Views
Re: Does he let go of her? How independant is she of him? Danae al'Thor - 25/04/2010 04:07:33 PM 1387 Views
That's an interesting observation. Tom - 26/04/2010 10:23:28 PM 1193 Views
Re: I was telling Tashmere... Danae al'Thor - 11/05/2010 11:05:09 AM 1327 Views
Re: What do you think the biggest message of the book is? everynametaken - 25/04/2010 10:16:16 PM 1233 Views
Communication with the entirely other Camilla - 12/05/2010 10:01:37 PM 1265 Views
Did anyone else do any wondering what their own visitors would take the form of if they were there? Tashmere - 26/04/2010 11:31:27 PM 1162 Views
Actually, no. It was obvious to me. *NM* Tom - 26/04/2010 11:41:22 PM 557 Views
In a way yes. Jacob - 27/04/2010 06:33:43 PM 1271 Views
My father, perhaps. Panorphaeon - 27/04/2010 08:55:18 PM 1160 Views
Ha. Jacob - 27/04/2010 09:16:56 PM 1196 Views
Re: You know, the more I think about it, the more surprised I am everyone only seemed to have one. Danae al'Thor - 10/05/2010 10:08:23 PM 1216 Views
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