Key Facts
full title ·
2001: A Space Odyssey
author · Arthur C. Clarke
type of work · Novel
genre · Science Fiction
language · English
time and place written · 1960s, U.S.
date of first publication · 1968
publisher · New American Library
narrator · Omniscient
climax · Bowman thwarts Hal's attempt to rid Discovery of human life
protagonist · David Bowman
antagonist · Hal
setting (time) · 2001
setting (place) · Earth, the Moon, a Spaceship
point of view · Omniscient narrator who tells of disparate events spanning the universe
falling action · Bowman is swallowed by the Star Gate
tense · Past
foreshadowing · The destructive potential of nuclear weapons at the end of part one, Hal eventually trying to run the ship alone (end of Chapter Sixteen), the challenges to face the crew during the voyage (end of Chapter Seventeen), virtually countless others—they are everywhere.
tone · Detached and scientific
themes · The Perils of Technology, Evolution, Space Exploration
motifs · Omniscient Narration, The Accouterments of Space Travel, Technological Malfunctions
symbols · Hal
