From the first page of the novel we can tell that Antar is in a sense similar to Challenger in their quests to seek knowledge. They both have the drive to discover the unknown. We are introduced to Antar as an older man that basically watches a computer interpret and organize data. He is intrigued when there is some sort of anomaly and almost enjoys fueling Ave with new information. Antar then falls upon the old ID of Murugan thus beginning his new journey, similar to Challenger and the lost scientist he stumbles upon.
So I guess what im getting at is are there any other similarities between Challenger and Antar? Besides the obvious that Antar is dealing with more advanced technology what else connects their determination to discover the truth? Also, how are they different? How does technology play into Antar's journey? Just some things to think about...
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I think it's funny that you mentioned similarities in the book right before we started talking about that subject in class. Though we are all reading these books that surround the ideas of Science, I think we are seeing more patterns than expected.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with them both having a drive to discover the unknown. These two adventurers are searching into the unknown for answers--for a reason to the rhyme. I think they are different, though, because when we first meet Antar he does not approach the unknown like Prof Challenger did. Antar only became curious after the information blatantly GIVEN to him was questionable. Prof Challenger had always been curious and seeking answers to things he didn't know. Their motives were different from one another, though they did have the same thirst for discovery.
In response to technology being involved with Antar's journey, it definitely plays a BIG part. It is the reason that he starts his trek in the first place and has definitely played a big role in the story so far.
We'll see what happens from here!
I agree with Cara-Joy. While I think that Challenger and Antar are similar in some ways, I also see their differences. Challenger is more of the "question the world" type. Antar comes off as more of the "sit back and let others solve the major mysteries of the world" type. However, they both have the drive to do what they desire while disregarding the opinions of others.
ReplyDeleteI got to thinking about other characters in The Calcutta Chromosome that could also be similar to Challenger, and one is particular came to mind: Murugan. When Murugan decided that he wanted to study malaria, he would stop at nothing to do so. He sacrificed friends, his job, and his own well-being to study it. After publishing his research twice, both copies were rejected and scorned by multiple critics. However, he kept on pursuing his goal. When he decided that the best way to study malaria was to travel to Calcutta, he sacrificed two-thirds of his salary to get there before August 20th. Like Challenger, Murugan was determined to do what he needed to prove his theories were correct even if it meant losing the respect of the general public.
As for technology, it definitely plays a huge part in Antar's journey seeing as his main source of research is a highly intelligent computer named Ava. Antar probably would not have even begun his journey without this technology. Also, Murugan would not have been able to move forward in his studies without the advanced technology that was available to him.
I agree with the idea that the two characters are similar, but mostly in the idea that both seem obsessed with the respective mystery at hand. However, Antar's seems to be more out of boredom than the insatiable curiosity Prof Challenger displays. Had Antar been more like Challenger, he likely would have gone gallivanting off to Calcutta with Murugan when he first learned his theory much the way Challenger didn't waste a beat following rumors of South American natives. However, Antar didn't look into the matter until he had nothing better to do with his life than walk to the train station and have dinner with his neighbor.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I think technology is what gives these two much of a link at all. Antar, without Ava, likely would never have gone through all the work she did on his own to arrive at a solution -- heck, he may not have even become an accountant at LifeWatch in the first place and the story could be about his quiet little life in backwoods Egypt. Challenger, on the other hand, brazenly runs in half-cocked looking for something to discover -- lucky for him others remembered guns and ammo or he might've played Chief's Twin the rest of his possibly short life. Really, technology is what seems to bridge the gap between the adventuring discoverer and the desk worker.