Nemesis Literary Analysis

As once said by British novelist Anthony Burgess; “Colonialism. The enforced spread of the rule of reason. But who is going to spread it among the colonizers?” This emphasizes some of the main problems with space colonization, and how prevalent it has been in history. This concept can be seen in the novel Nemesis by Isaac Asimov, which explores the development of colonies in space, and how different individuals react towards colonization. Within the novel it is shown that humanity is a species that constantly destroys everything in its path, including itself, and cannot properly solve its own societal problems. This theme is developed by the symbolism shown through a star hurtling towards Earth known as “Nemesis.” The space-colonial setting of the novel focuses on the …show more content…
The man then details his idea of Nemesis; “A small star, pinkish-red, the color of blood and destruction, and named appropriately. Nemesis! Nemesis, the Goddess of Divine Retribution” (Asimov 3). In ancient Greek culture, Nemesis is the goddess of revenge, or “Divine, something which the star can be compared to. It is described as being the colour of “blood, and destruction,” attributed to the hues of revenge and death, which links the star to its namesake. The allusion to the goddess of revenge connects the star as the “Nemesis” of humanity. The physical characteristics of the star match with both the ideas of revenge and the goddess itself, as if it is some form of reincarnation. The physical appearance is not the only reason why Nemesis symbolizes revenge, the actual flight path of Nemesis also is symbolic The realization of Nemesis’ “goal” is detected early on by the protagonist, Marlene. Marlene lives on Rotor, the space station that orbits Nemesis, and looks to colonize planets around it. Her mother, Insignia, explains to her what will eventually happen with Nemesis; "No, as far as my figures are concerned. I'm quite sure it's not