52 pages • 1 hour read
Kim Stanley RobinsonNew York 2140
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2017A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Symbols & Motifs
The Flood
The floodwater in New York influences the lives of everyone in the story. The flood was the result of global warming, which was itself the result of humanity’s failure to change the effect its habits were having on the planet. The flood has parallels to the biblical flood in the Old Testament, during which God punished the planet for its sins. In the Biblical version, humanity gets a fresh start, having learned from its mistakes. In New York 2140, however, the flood does not recede, but it does give people a chance to reflect on their mistakes. The flood is a symbol of both humanity’s forgetfulness and adaptability, and of history’s cyclical repetitions.
The HMS Hussar
The Hussar is a gold-laden English warship that sank in the 18th century on a spot that was later paved over. Roberto, Stefan, and Mr. Hexter are obsessed with finding it. The ship is initially a symbol of curiosity and adventure: The mystery of its location gives purpose to the lives of the boys and Mr. Hexter. Once they find the ship, its treasure hoard becomes a symbol of hope. The gold provides for their futures and bodes well for the lives of the marine animals in New York, since the boys open a marine life institute. Moreover, Franklin uses the gold’s investment returns to manipulate the effects of the real estate crash, and as funding for other projects. Gold and wealth are only a problem when used for selfish profiteering rather than socially productive ventures.
Assisted Migration
Assisted Migration, the name of Amelia’s airship and her show, is the mission to which she dedicates her life—helping animals get to an environment or situation where they can thrive in the aftermath of the two Pulses. The floods have disrupted many of the world’s ecological systems, rendering animals unable to thrive in environments that were previously hospitable to them. Early in the novel, Amelia transports polar bears to Antarctica since Arctic ice caps have melted. Later, as Idelba, Vlade, and Charlotte transport people to the hospitals after the hurricane, and the refugee situation worsens, the symbolism of assisted migration expands: Nearly everyone in the novel needs aid to find a place to live and thrive. The symbolism of the Assisted Migration ties into the theme of Teamwork discussed above.
The Octopus
The financial industry—and in particular, the network of bankers, angel investors, and powerful people like Hector Ramirez—is often compared to an octopus. Each organization is another tentacle on the octopus, and each person is another sucker on the tentacle. When an octopus grabs onto something, its grip is powerful and nearly unbreakable. The octopus symbolizes the degree to which exploitative capitalism is embedded in the American system.
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