The Avatar Summary
Poul Anderson

The Avatar Summary

The theme of happiness unites the characters of The Avatar, and is tied to the social concerns. Underneath the exciting adventure of the novel is the continuous search of characters for meaning to their lives. Most of the characters feel as if they are missing something essential for their happiness. When Brodersen takes off on a quest to find The Others who built the star gates that lead to worlds scattered throughout the universe, some of his companions join him in a literal search for happiness. They hope that The Others will bring them companionship or spiritual fulfillment. It is this search, not the finding of happiness, that essential to their well being. Brodersen the expansive explorer, the doer who makes opportunities for others, is in this a stark contrast to Quick and others who believe that people must be controlled. This difference is very important to twentieth-century...

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