The television version of The Martian Chronicles departs some from the book but both cover the same themes of human dignity, respect, and a search for peace. Although the story is somewhat disjointed, the movie adds an element of stability by developing the character of Colonel Wilder (a relatively minor character in the book) who appears throughout the movie in a major role. In both versions of the story, however, Wilder assumes the worries voiced by Spender: concern for the Martian legacy and that Earthlings not destroy that legacy. In the movie, Wilder becomes obsessed with the desire to meet and speak with a Martian and to learn what he can from one of the race of beings he rightly imagines to be most ancient.
Near the end of the movie he manages to meet a Martian and he asks the secret to the success of the Martian civilization--seemingly eternal--until the arrival of the humans who unwittingly killed off the Martians. The Martian answers him:
"Secret? There is no secret.
"Anyone with eyes can see the way to live: by watching life, observing nature and cooperating with it, making common cause with the process of existence.
"By living life for itself, don't you see, deriving pleasure from the gift of pure being.
"Life is its own answer. Accept it and enjoy it day by day. Live as well as possible; expect no more. Destroy nothing; humble nothing; look for fault in nothing. Leave unsullied and untouched all that is beautiful. Hold that which lives in all reverence; for life is given by the sovereign of our universe, given to be savored, to be luxuriated in, to be respected.
"But that's no secret. You're intelligent. You know, as well as I, what has to be done."
Humans have always hoped for an easy life and possession of many things. In the pursuit of those aims, we have found violence and hatred and discomfort. We inevitably look for the solution to these problems outside ourselves. The Martian counselled Wilder that the seeds of success were found within the Human race itself, but for their fruition, demanded understanding and cooperation and toleration.
In an essay discuss putting the Martian's advice to work. Can it succeed? Explain why or why not.
Imagine you are a member of the first Martian base colony. You are six months into your stay. The original excitement of being part of an historic endeavor has become almost painful drudgery in spite of the need to be alert for your own and the colony's protection. Using the Links contained in the "Mars" section, describe one day of your life on Mars. Make sure you reference living conditions, both inside and outside your base quarters. Do not make this essay a psychological profile of one longing to return to Earth, although some of those anticipations would certainly be part of your day.
The following must be identified according to their purpose or appearance or presence in the story. You need only identify 15.
Bert Edwards; Biggs; Captain Williams; Captain Wilder; Captain Black; Driscoll; Garrett; Green Bluff, Illinois; Hathaway; LaFarge; Morse-code flashes; Mr. K; Mr. Xxx; Nathaniel York; New Texas City; Parkhill; Samuel Teece; Spaulding; Spender; Taxpayer; Tenth City; Timothy; Tomás Gomez; Walter Gripp; Ylla
The book can be roughly divided into three parts, offering a distinct character about the antics of the Earthlings on Mars. Offer some observations and judgements about the civilization and behavior between both the Earthlings and the Martians in each section of the book.
Exploration; Settling; Emigration
Explain the reasons behind the trek to Mars.
Elaborate on the characteristics of the Martian planet and people.
Elaborate on the immigrants: what kind of people were they and what were there reasons for leaving earth? [This questions is different from the third (above), but does contain some of the same material.]
What scientific, economic, social, and political conditions must exist if The Martian Chronicles should be possible.
What do all the Earthling-Martian confrontations demonstrate about alien civilizations meeting each other?
How does this book show that humanity is still rather immature? Contrast with the Martians and the ideas of maturity in general.
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