2001: A Space Odyssey

Arthur C. Clarke

Plot (List 7 - 12 major events)

• The Monolith comes to earth.
• The Monolith runs tests on the man apes
• Dr. Floyd launches to space. 

Characters (list 3 - 8 characters, with descriptive info on each)

• Moon Watcher-The only living character that the book specifies.  He is the smartest and the lead man ape. 
• The Monolith-Is a strange 15' tall crystalline object.  it isn't really a character but some entity is using it as a medium to run test on the man apes of earth.  There are nine total through out the earth. 
• Dr. Floyd- One of the main characters who is en rout to the a Moon base because contact has been cut off.  

Settings (list 3 - 5 settings, with descriptive info. on each)

• Planet Earth somewhere in Africa
• Various Moon bases namely Clavius base.

Conflicts (identify 3 - 4 major conflicts and explain the importance of each)

• Moon watchers man ape tribe has a territory conflict with another man ape tribe.
• The man apes have a constant quarrel with hunger.

Themes  (identify 3 - 4 major themes and explain the basis of each)

• Man started with humble beginnings.

Symbolism (identify 3 - 4 symbols and provide an interpretation of each)

• I suppose that the Monolith could symbolize God, for all of use who disregard the theory of evolution.  

Commentary (express your opinions about the book here)

• So far the book is very addictive and it is easy to get engrossed.