Capitalism vs. Socialism

The core theme of this thematically complex novel is its exploration of the essential tension between the capitalist and socialist economic systems. The former is based, at least in part, on the premise that every individual has the right to profit financially from business, to keep that profit, and to accumulate it. The novel seems to take the position that this system is inherently flawed to the point of being corrupt and soulless, illustrating again and again how those driven to keep and accumulate profit, and its associated power and status, exploit those who actually do the work so the company can make profit. For its part, socialism is based on the premise that whatever is earned by any individual in any business should ultimately be shared, so that every individual receives the same level of income, sustenance, status, etc. The novel takes the position that...