Sphere

What a person can understand is limited by human perception. Most people can only perceive things that are familiar or that fall within certain parameters. In this novel, Norman discusses the anthropomorphic problem with regard to alien life, or the tendency of people to believe that alien life forms will be similar to humans in looks and vulnerabilities because this is all they can perceive. Norman argues that humans are frail animals and want alien life forms to be just as vulnerable. Likewise, the fear of the unknown contributes to the lack of a person’s ability to imagine a life form or other entity as more than what they can understand through basic human perceptions.

The novel pushes the limits of human perception by placing characters in a situation where they come into contact with a power that allows them to manifest their imagination as reality. This power gives Harry the ability to bring his biggest fears to life without consciously understanding that he’s behind the manifestations. The power allows Beth to express her feminine side while intensifying her insecurities, especially as they relate to men. Through Harry and Beth, the novel explores what a human mind is capable of without an understanding of the depths of this power.