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A Canticle for Leibowitz

A Canticle for Leibowitz. Life after nuclear war can be an exciting adventure. The Setting. America following a nuclear war At that time, science fiction writers would refer to this kind of setting as “post-holocaust” Pre-war knowledge is gathered and preserved by the Catholic church.

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A Canticle for Leibowitz

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  1. A Canticle for Leibowitz Life after nuclear war can be an exciting adventure

  2. The Setting • America following a nuclear war • At that time, science fiction writers would refer to this kind of setting as “post-holocaust” • Pre-war knowledge is gathered and preserved by the Catholic church

  3. The three sections • Fiat Homo = “Let there be man” • Fiat Lux = “Let there be light” • Fiat Voluntas Tua = “Thy Will Be Done”

  4. Context for Leibowitz • Written at a time when there was a concern over nuclear war (1959) • Setting is a post-nuclear world • Knowledge is preserved, but not fully understood

  5. Key Themes • Things that once were culturally relevant are now archaic, ceremonial and no longer fully understood by everyone • Examples: Latin references, the shopping list, etc. • Book becomes its own metaphor

  6. Key Themes • In a post-apocalyptic world, communication breaks down • Communities live in isolation • People live without understanding technology

  7. Futility of the present • People spend time doing jobs they do not understand • Fear that humanity may not have learned the lessons of the past • Does humankind have the ability to survive the worst?

  8. Religion • After the decline of the Roman Empire, monks kept knowledge alive • Novel plays upon that idea, with main characters who are custodians of manuscripts • But the characters do not understand much of what they preserve

  9. Brother Frances • His character is based on the life of a monk in Medieval times • Updated to reflect post-apocalyptic world • Science is in its infancy in his world

  10. An ancient “artifact” (p. 26) • “He handled the papers as he might handle holy things” • A shopping list • “Pound pastrami, can kraut, six bagels – bring home for Emma.”

  11. Summary • As you read “Canticle” think about whether or not the novel allows for hope for humanity • Also consider the rate of progess. How far does science advance? • What role does history play in this work?

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