“Here is a story about a man who had too much power, and a man who took too much, but don’t worry; I’m not going political on you. The man who had the power was named James Kidder and the other was his banker” (Sturgeon 1). Theodore Sturgeon’s “Microcosmic God” follows the story of two seemingly different men. Kidder, a reclusive scientist, but otherwise normal guy, has an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Likewise, the Machiavellian Conant has only one desire: money. Furthermore, Sturgeon plays on the duality between the characters often throughout the story. Conant manipulates Kidder and others for profit whereas Kidder minds his own business on his lonely island. Nevertheless, there is more than meets the eye. The Narrator states, “Conant and money were like Kidder and knowledge (7).” In this one sentence, the Narrator’s objective becomes apparent. The Narrator is trying to convince the reader that no matter how different these two men may seem, the force that drives them is the same: power. EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE INVENTOR AND THE NOVUM In the beginning, Kidder feels vexed. Though he is brilliant, …show more content…
Then, Sturgeon shows that the inventor’s relationship and power over the Novum changes and grows in conjunction with its development. As the Neoterics become increasingly powerful, so too does Kidder. In conclusion, power can be understood as the force that shapes how humans create and interact with technology. This power dynamic is observable in the relationship between Kidder and the Neoterics. Furthermore, at the end of “Microcosmic God,” the Narrator says “Some day the Neoterics, after innumerable genera-tions of inconceivable advancement, will take down their shield and come forth. When I think of that I feel frightened” (Sturgeon 20). Considering the way that Kidder wielded his power over the Neoterics, wouldn’t you feel frightened