Spiderhead is a science fiction short story by authors Rob Hart and Caleb Roehrig that is set in a future dystopian world where convicted felons are recruited by a powerful corporation to test experimental drugs. These drugs are used to manipulate emotions, making it possible for black market executioners to completely control their victims. The story follows Vincent, an inmate, who is willing to volunteer for this program to earn his freedom.
As a science fiction story, Spiderhead explores what could happen if the line between morality and technology is blurred and whether consciousness of our emotions is ultimately beneficial. It also examines the implications of how far technology and science could progress in the future, whether it be for good or for bad. In this article, we will take a closer look at how Spiderhead uses its narrative to explore these themes and to challenge the reader to consider the consequences of unchecked scientific progress.
Exploring The Story of Spiderhead
Spiderhead follows the story of Vincent, whose prisoner-of-war status gives him the chance to volunteer for a series of experimental drug trials in exchange for his freedom. He is brought to a facility run by the powerful, unethical corporation known as “Spiderhead”. While there, he meets the other inmates, who are also participating in the program, and learns that the drugs they are testing have the potential to manipulate emotions and influence behavior.
One particular drug in the “Joy series”, G14-3, is capable of fully relieving the wearer of any negative emotion and continues to be tested until they eventually discover that the drug can be used to manipulate the emotions of others. Vincent starts to feel uneasy about his role in the trials and tries to sabotage the experimentations in an effort to protect those around him. He soon discovers, however, that he is too late and must face the consequences of the experimentations gone wrong.
Themes Explored in Spiderhead
Spiderhead delves into a number of themes, from morality to technology and its implications for the future. Through the narrative, the authors provide a thought-provoking insight into the implications of unchecked scientific progress and the dangers that come with it. The story also raises questions about morality and how we perceive emotions.
The Nature of Science
Spiderhead explores the consequences of scientific progress when unchecked or unrestrained, and the implications of when consequences become secondary objectives to those societies or organisations driven to achieve their goals.The story shows the side-effects of this unrestrained scientific advancement as the inmates become automated criminals and as morality becomes blurred and forgotten in the push towards bigger and better results.
The story also raises the question of who is responsible for the consequences of unchecked scientific progress. This is demonstrated by the fact that the head executive of Spiderhead is never held accountable for the actions taken at the facility and for the experiments gone wrong.
The Morality of Emotion
Additionally, Spiderhead examines the morality of emotions and how our emotions and behaviour can be manipulated to serve a specific purpose. This is illustrated in the novel when Vincent is tested with a drug that eliminates all negative emotions, resulting in him becoming a mindless, obedient criminal. Through this, the authors try to explore the idea of what it means to be human and how far people are willing to go for power and control.
Moreover, Spiderhead critiques the idea of being “mentally healthy”, which it portrays as a kind of mind control. This is highlighted when it is revealed that the drugs manufactured by Spiderhead are used to control entire populations and create a world where everyone has a predetermined “healthy” mentality.
Overall, Spiderhead is a thought-provoking story that explores a number of themes and raises important questions about morality, technology and unrestrained scientific progress. It is a cautionary tale about allowing science to progress without questioning the implications, a warning about the dangers of unchecked ambition and a reminder about the power of emotion and morality in our lives. It is a timeless story that challenges its readers to examine the consequences of their choices and encourages them to consider their own moral standards.
