Stranger in a Strange Land

“Smith…is…not…a…man.”

When Captain Van Tromp attempts to explain Smith’s unique situation to the High Minister of Science, he argues that, although biologically human, Smith has more in common with his birth culture than with his ancestry. Van Tromp engages in the nature versus nurture debate, claiming that Smith cannot understand humans or Earth culture simply because he has no exposure to them. In the end, he buys Smith some time in isolation, free from the prying hands of the government.

“Smith translated the questions. The inclusion of both of them in the query was confusing; he decided that it might symbolize a wish to cherish and grow close.”

Much of Smith’s early development is spent trying to understand human language. When Gillian addresses him conversationally as “we”—“how are we feeling today?” (14)—Smith takes it literally, assuming she is offering a chance to bond in some way. The scene captures the nuances of language and thought, and how the two are inextricably linked. When Smith founds his Church, he insists initiates learn Martian. Only by understanding the language can they understand the subtleties of Martian thought and philosophy.

“Secrecy begets tyranny.”

Caxton argues that Smith must be free to be out in the world, not held prisoner by a paranoid government. He succinctly makes the case for a free press, without which despots thrive behind a veil of secrecy.