An old essay from my high school days. What I find shocking is that I got an A or B on this crap. And I supposedly attended one of the best high schools in my state! Tell me what you think...
Pierre Boulle’s Planet of the Apes is one of the most readily recognized works of science fiction. The idea of a society where apes are sentient beings and humans are incapable of rational thought is an intriguing subject with many implications. Due to this reason, this classic is an example of great science fiction because of its theme of humanity, appealing characters, and remarkably similar settings and conflicts.
According to Webster’s Dictionary, humanity is defined as “the fact or quality of being human; the peculiar nature of man, by which he is distinguished from other beings.” The question of humanity is present throughout the story. Humanity, however, is seen only in simians who are the dominant inhabitants of Soror. This reversal is very significant because the simians refuse to see the humanity of humans on Soror and the humans refused to see the simians are equals thousands of years before when humankind possessed the advanced civilization. In fact, Doctor Zaius endeavors to experiment on Ulysse’s brain in order to prove he is an inferior being rather than accepting the truth his eyes see. To him, Ulysse is a “man with particularly sharp instincts but totally devoid of the capacity for thought” (Boulle 163). Nevertheless, the humans of Soror had also done similar experiments with the apes and continued to treat them as inferior beings by attempting to command them while they began talking. This tendency of humans (or apes) to degrade non-sentient creatures is entrenched in the cultures of both man and ape. The primates of Soror prefer to believe in a mythical founder instead of human progenitors of civilization. Therefore, in this social fantasy of Boulle’s, one perceives the flaws in humanity.
In addition, the characters have a great appeal to the reader. The protagonist, Ulysse Merou, is exceptionally intelligent, which ultimately saves his life from the current squalor of the human race in Soror. Because of his intelligence, he easily passes the simple tests the apes use, communicates with Zira, and learns the simian language. His situation in the cage before the council that frees him is also an analysis of humanity. Ulysse struggles to behave in a civilized manner but succumbs to Nova by performing the mating ritual dance. Another captivating dimension of Ulysse is his relationship with Zira, who has nothing to gain from helping him. The two eventually form a close emotional bond since their first meeting. Zira gradually becomes aware of Ulysse’s condition and goes out of her way to help him by teaching him the simian tongue, providing books for him to read, warning him of the danger his existence poses to the simian world, and protecting his son Sirius when Nova is pregnant. In fact, Zira says to Ulysse, “I sometimes feel this child is also mine” (252)!. He also forgets she is an ape and takes her arm when they leave for the Institute for Advanced Biological Study. This indicates their profound relationship because the two connect intellectually and spiritually in a way that is impossible for Ulysse and Nova. Furthermore, when Ulysse thanks Cornelius for his help, Cornelius says he should thank Zira and implies that she loves him.
The setting also contributes to this novel’s value as a piece of science fiction. The planet of Soror, which is Latin for sister, is named so because of its resemblance to Earth. This makes the setting effortless to visualize. In the beginning, Ulysse describes light blue oceans, the bright atmosphere, the nearly equal size of Earth and Soror, the broad streets and white houses that resemble those of Earth. He also illustrates the jungle where he lands in by comparing it to an Asiatic jungle, which also assists the reading in picturing the setting.
Finally, the universal conflicts in Planet of the Apes relates to those faced in real life. Racism, for example, is rampant in simian society. Although the chimpanzees, gorillas and organutans have formed a triumvirate and parliament to give each race equal representation and power, each one confines itself to its own group. This parallels the United States. In Plessy v. Ferguson, the Supreme Court ruled that it is constitutional to have separate but equal facilities for blacks and whites in America, legalizing a racist policy throughout the nation. It is common knowledge that facilities such as schools and housing were incredibly unequal and continues to foster hatred, racism, and poverty. The circumstances in Soror are not very different at all. The man versus beast or man versus nature conflict also appears. The apes hunt man who outnumbers apes to the point that scientists fear there will not be enough supplies for future research. In human societies, destruction of the environment and wildlife is self-evident. Overgrazing, global warming, deforestation, air pollution and over-fishing are eradicating the planet.
In conclusion, Planet of the Apes is a great piece of science fiction that meets the criteria of superior science fiction because of its theme of humanity, character development, and similar settings and conflicts in ape soceiety. The universal theme of what it means to be human is constant throughout the story and every reader can relate to it. Furthermore, the growth of the characters like Ulysse and Zira, for example, is astounding. They develop a moving relationship that transcends race and allows Ulysse to leave Soror. Indeed, their love for each other must be great for Zira to save him, Nova, and Sirius. In addition, the setting and conflicts in contemporary human society are nearly identical to ape problems.
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