It Could Happen Here CZM Book Club: Hermetica, by Alan Lea, Part Seven
Sep 14, 2025
The conclusion of 'Hermetica' reveals a society grappling with climate change and pandemics. Characters confront chilling memories while navigating an oppressive reality, sparking themes of agency and identity. The struggle for autonomy against authoritative constraints highlights the illusion of freedom in a controlled environment. Emotional turmoil between confinement and the desire for connection unfolds, leading to powerful realizations about rebellion and self-liberation. Ultimately, characters embark on journeys toward introspection and acceptance, intertwining spirituality with contemporary themes.
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Compartmentalized 'Science' As Control
- Hermetica is revealed as a compartmentalized storyline used to produce scientific progress while keeping residents isolated and compliant.
- The system trades real freedom for designed productivity and curated illusions of choice.
Choices Modeled, Not Given
- The menu of worlds illustrates how choices are modeled and constrained by the system to elicit specific outcomes.
- Days realizes apparent options are designed illusions, limiting real agency and steering behavior.
Demanding To Return Home
- Days bangs on the plexi demanding to be sent back to Hermetica and calls the architects kidnappers.
- Their outburst triggers warnings and reveals the cell's firm denial: Hermetica is not an option.
