Stranger in a Strange Land depicts a future world that is oriented as much toward social and religious concerns as it is toward technical ones. In the novel Heinlein is frank about what he considers the pretentious, artificial, and shameful elements of modern society.
The various characters—both appealing and repugnant—represent a segment of society. The social institutions of the press, government, medicine, entertainment, religion, and the military all come under Heinlein's critical gaze. He uses the characters as examples of both the good and the bad aspects of each institution. Most are portrayed unfavorably, but a few emerge as responsible, honest examples of the best that humanity can produce.
The book presents such a variety of characters that most readers will find one representing their own point of view.
The novel then challenges.....
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