In class, someone wondered what made The Man in the High Castle different from the many historical novels that depicted these radical scenarios of altered history. I believe that what separates works of literature such as this novel and 1984 is the larger subcontext that both works develop. While many alternate history novels are plot driven, these novels consist of characters finding themselves in these radically different worlds and not attempting to explain all the historical changes that have taken place. Instead, the work can attempt to search and explore greater meaning than the rather simple question of what if the U.S. had lost World War II.

The situation regarding the forged Americana goods really struck a chord within my mind when I was reading. The question it raises for me is the idea of whether or not the truth really is needed in society. As we witness, everyone is happier when these forged goods are manufactured as the real thing, the Japanese buyers, the sellers and the producers. When this balance is upset, the situation is doomed to go to hell. A society based off ignorance thus seems to bring greater happiness to individuals than one where the truth is known. Unfortunately, the situation will not last as the replicas that are being created can not continue to provide for an economy forever. Similarly, in Cat's Cradle, the people of San Lorenzo attempted to live off this ignorance by pushing the truth downwards.


The inclusion of the fictional novel The Grasshopper Lies Heavy provides for an ironical look into the nature of mankind. When we first observe the idea that this author has created a book that depicts what we initially take to be reality, the U.S. and the allies victorious in World War II. However, what is instead created is a depiction of a society that has eery parallels with the reality of The Man in the High Castle. Instead of depicting our world, the world that Dick would know, he creates a new alternate history in his novel.