Infinity: The Writer's Art
From Prep08Wiki
Infinity is well represented in some works of Escher, perhaps, and many graphic artists have struggled with the concept. However, the art of painting, drawing, sculpture is sometimes inadequate to represent concepts that are best left to the imagination. The writer's art can, occasionally, allow a deeper understanding of infinity.
Douglas Adams' The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy has several mentions of infinity. Read the following passages
- < insert chapter and page numbers here. First there's the "space ir really, really huge" quote >
- < then there's the one inside Magrathea that mentions that the incredibly big space inside the planet gives a much better impression of infinity than infinity itself, which is flat and grey, can.>
- For another perspective, also read the Larry Niven short story Infinite Series. < I think that's the title.>
Answer the questions:
- In what way is Larry Niven addressing infinity?
- How do these two authors' descriptions of infinity differ?
- Do you agree with Adams' description of infinity as flat and grey?
- Give your own written description of infinity.
