Chains of the Sea

“Chains of the Sea” is a compilation of three separate novellas written by Gardner Dozois. These are: “Chains of the Sea,” “The Hanging Curve,” and “A Kingdom by the Sea.” Each novella has its unique world and characters, with separate narrative arcs.

1. “Chains of the Sea”: This story revolves around Tommy, a young boy with the ability to communicate with non-human species, specifically an advanced alien race known as ‘The Others’. The main theme here is the interaction between differing intelligent species and the potential misunderstandings that might occur due to our anthropocentric views. The story challenges the conventional understanding of ‘alien’ by providing a broader perspective on intelligence, existence, and communication. The core claim Dozois makes is that our human-centric perspective might hinder our ability to recognize and communicate with different forms of intelligence.
2. “The Hanging Curve”: This novella narrates the tale of a young pitcher named Danny, who pitches a unique curveball. His story intertwines with the narrative of an alien species trying to save Earth from an impending catastrophe. Here, the claim revolves around the idea that humans can influence cosmic events, even unintentionally. The concept of chaos theory, the butterfly effect, and quantum mechanics are intertwined subtly into this narrative.
3. “A Kingdom by the Sea”: The final story is set in a dystopian future, where a man named Michael ventures to find his lost love in a world devastated by nuclear war. The major claim in this narrative is about the resilience of human spirit and love even amid catastrophic conditions. It posits the question: What are we willing to sacrifice for love?

The main characters in these novellas are Tommy, the young boy in “Chains of the Sea,” Danny, the pitcher in “The Hanging Curve,” and Michael in “A Kingdom by the Sea.” These characters embody themes of innocence, potential, and determination respectively. Their interactions with the alien and post-apocalyptic landscapes draw out the philosophical underpinnings of the narratives.

Gardner Dozois’s work has been discussed in broader context within books about science fiction, such as “New Maps of Hell: A Survey of Science Fiction” by Kingsley Amis and “The Cambridge Companion to Science Fiction” edited by Edward James and Farah Mendlesohn.

“New Maps of Hell: A Survey of Science Fiction” provides an expansive study on the science fiction genre, its development, and the various themes it explores. Although not specifically dedicated to “Chains of the Sea,” it does discuss the evolving themes and narrative techniques in the genre, which are applicable to Dozois’s work.

It’s essential to contextualize the novellas within the transformative era of their 1973 publication. This period, characterized by significant social and technological change, profoundly influenced the science fiction genre, serving as an ideal backdrop for Dozois’s exploration of themes such as interspecies communication, the ramifications of chaos theory, and the resilience of the human spirit amidst adversity. These themes, reflective of the era’s philosophical and cultural shifts, underscore the novellas’ lasting relevance.

Gardner Dozois, renowned for both his narrative craft and editorial impact, infused the genre with a unique voice, shaped by his deep involvement in the science fiction community. His distinct approach to themes like alien intelligence and the consequences of human actions sets “Chains of the Sea” apart, inviting readers to ponder the complexities of communication and understanding between vastly different intelligences.

Applying theoretical perspectives, such as posthumanist theory, provides deep insights into Dozois’s depiction of “The Others” and the existential questions raised in “Chains of the Sea.” Incorporating Dozois’s own thoughts on his work, from interviews or commentaries, adds valuable context and enhances understanding of his thematic and narrative choices.

Posthumanist theory is a broad and interdisciplinary approach that explores the implications of eroding the traditional boundaries between humans and technology, as well as challenging long-standing humanist notions of human centrality, autonomy, and superiority. It stems from a blend of critical theory, philosophy, cultural studies, and more, with roots in postmodernism.

Posthumanism rethinks what it means to be human in the context of advanced technology, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and ecological crises. It questions the Enlightenment’s human-centric view, where humans are seen as separate from and superior to nature and non-human entities. Instead, posthumanism considers humans as entangled with technology, the environment, and other forms of life, suggesting a more integrated and interdependent understanding of existence.

“Chains of the Sea” is a rich story of human and alien interactions, challenging our perceptions of existence, intelligence, and the human ability to influence cosmic events. Through distinct yet thematically linked novellas, Gardner Dozois posits fascinating concepts that stretch our understanding and ignite our imagination.