The Lathe of Heaven I

            In Ursula K. Le Guin’s The Lathe of Heaven, the main character, George Orr, has the power to change the world through his dreams. His ability scares him, and makes him afraid of dreaming, which is how Orr ends up having to see the therapist Haber. Haber, however, is compared to a mad scientist at points, using George to try controlling the world to how Haber wants it. However, George still thinks that “He’s not…not an evil man. He means well. What I object to is his using me as an instrument, a means—even if his ends are good. I can’t judge him—my own dreams had immoral effects…that’s why…I got into this mess” (48).

            I find it interesting how George thinks that he is the immoral one when he has no control over what he is doing. It is also interesting how Haber thinks that he is the one benefitting the world, and that he is the good person for he is helping everyone in his own way. I feel like perhaps he is inspired by Hitler or some other dictator/leader, for this book was written after World War II as well. Perhaps Haber is a combination between Hitler and Victor Frankenstein. Perhaps it is something like, “What would Frankenstein have done if he really liked his creation?”

            I also find it strange how George seems to be panicked by the fact that Haber wants to change reality. This implies that George actually likes this world in a way. Even though the world has a lot wrong with it (protein deficiency, war, etc.), George still wants to be a part of it. Therefore, I think Ursula K. Le Guin is trying to get at themes of perhaps conservation at this part of the novel.