The Minority Report

The setting in “The Minority Report” plays a large role in the character and plot development. Set in a futuristic, postwar era, the story reflects the postwar society Philip K. Dick experienced during his lifetime, including the burgeoning technological developments resulting from World War II machinery and scientific research. The setting also reflects the rise of McCarthyism and government suspicion of perceived radicals, and the elements of precogs, space travel, psychology, and machinery are common to many of Dick’s works.

Within this broad setting, changes in locale are significant. Throughout the story, Anderton’s physical movements indicate his state of mind and character development. He starts at the Precrime agency with firm faith in the Precrime system until he receives the punchcard accusing him of future murder. His return home to pack reflects his disordered, suspicious state of mind, which his kidnapping and meeting with Kaplan only heighten. Stationary once more, he becomes convinced that his paranoia is justified, only to question his understanding of reality each time he transitions to a new location.

Each described locale indicates a new conclusion: Fleming verifying Anderton’s suspicion of being framed during the rescue from the car accident; Anderton learning about the existence of the minority report in his hotel; Anderton deciding to prove his innocence after viewing Jerry’s report; concluding Witwer is an ally and restoring his decision to support Precrime upon returning to the agency; and finally committing to fulfill the prophecy at the army rally.