Summary

In the Preface, titled “An Illogical Hope in the Face of Overwhelming Adversity,” the narrator addresses the reader in order to tell them that humans really exist. Humans are described as being a "real bipedal life-form of mid-range intelligence" (ix). He states that they are strange and that they would frighten with their appearance. The narrator goes on to outline the appearance of humans, considered to be shocking, and their strange customs and ways of living. The normal life aims of humans are outlined, again considered to be highly unusual to the reader/audience. The narrator tells of how he came to discover poetry, which has opened his mind enough to give humans a chance. It is pondered whether there might be meaning on earth and in human life. The narrator urges the reader...