Leiningen Versus the Ants

Stephenson uses Leiningen to valorize European rationalism and science which, in the 19th and early-20th centuries, were believed to be the keys to social advancement and the cures for any social ill. In contrast, the ants represent uncontrollable and unpredictable natural forces. The author uses the ants, which are capable and well-organized, to refute Leiningen’s single-minded view. Leiningen’s unwavering faith in rationalism was typical among men of his social standing at the time. By the end of the story, though Leiningen still believes that he and his values are superior to the ants’ aggressions, he is forced to acknowledge that he foolishly overestimated his ability to command his environment. 

Similar to Leiningen’s single-minded view in the ability to use rationalism to conquer nature is his view that science is superior to traditional shamanism and the indigenous people’s methods of practicing medicine. Stephenson uses the Indian medicine man to illustrate how ineffective and regressive shamanism supposedly is. Neither the anti-venom brew nor the salve that the shaman prepares are effective in protecting Leiningen from the ants. Instead, he wards off the vicious creatures through sheer will and mental focus.