QUEST AND JOURNEY: Arthur goes on a journey, quite unwillingly, in the Heart of Gold to explore the universe and to get the big picture of things out in the galaxy. Along the way, he is challenged by all sorts of obstacles, ranging from depression (resulting from Earth being blown up) to imminent death due to either the Vogons, the missiles, the cops, or the mice. These challenges eventually helped him build himself up again, deem his viewpoint on Earth as something very limited, and finally accept the reality of the universe-- the realization that Earth was an artificial planet, a mere computer to find the question that had the Answer ‘42’. Along the way, he is guided by two alien friends (Zaphod and Ford), the brilliantly constructed book The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, depressed robot Marvin, chirpy computer Eddie, Slartibartfast the Magrathean who created Norway, and …show more content…
I believe that the author is trying to say that there is depression and sadness in life: shown by the characterization of Marvin-- a super depressed robot who continuously grumps on about how depressing life is-- and the experiences of Arthur-- being robbed of everything he owned in his previous life, including his perspective on the world. But, the author is also trying to say that there are bright bits too: shown by the characterization of Eddie and the talking automatic doors, two characters who are always happy. The bits of humour hidden around by the author suggest the little things that make life worth going through. Confusion is also seen throughout the book, as Arthur doesn’t know what’s going on half the time. I think Adams is trying to say that all of these things-- happiness, humour, depression, confusion, and what’s unexpected-- add up to what is called