Chapter 52, On the Couch Summary

While on their way to their equator destination, Chris Floyd explains the conversation with his grandfather's apparition for Dr. van der Berg. Dr. Floyd told Chris that the Europans needed to stay away, due to a poison that accompanies the humans. Dr. van der Berg speculates that the poison is probably the oxygen that William Tsung generates from the reactor. Chris assumes that his grandfather is dead and communicated with him through the monolith somehow, similar to how Bowman had communicated with his grandfather. Satisfied with the explanation, Chris asks about Mount Zeus, and Dr. van der Berg agrees to tell the story.

Chapter 52, On the Couch Analysis

The story almost crosses the line between science fiction and fantasy with the telepathic communication between Chris Floyd and his grandfather. However, the monolith has special powers that can...