Stanislaw Lem's "Solaris": to Be a Human

What does it truly mean to be a human being? This question has captivated philosophers, scientists, and artists alike, each offering their own interpretations that often extend beyond mere biological definitions. In the realm of science fiction, this inquiry takes on new dimensions, particularly when technology is introduced into the equation. Works like Spike Jonze's Her, episodes of Doctor Who, and stories from the Twilight Zone grapple with the complexities of human identity in the context of artificial intelligence and advanced technology. Stanislaw Lem’s novel Solaris further explores this theme through the character of Rheya, a product of alien technology that, while lacking a true human core, embodies human emotions and experiences.

The Duality of Rheya's Existence

Rheya's character raises profound questions about identity and humanity. Despite her inhuman origins, she exhibits human emotions, as illustrated when she experiences horror upon discovering that she is merely a 'visitor' created from Kelvin's memories (Lem 141). This blend of human-like qualities and alien creation makes her presence haunting for Kelvin, who grapples with his feelings of love and fear towards her. If Rheya were simply an imitation of a human without the emotional depth she displays, Kelvin's turmoil would likely be diminished. Her dual existence is marked by a paradox: she possesses memories rooted in human experience, yet her current state exists outside the boundaries of humanity. However, these memories are not genuinely hers; they are projections of Kelvin’s recollections of his deceased wife, leaving her devoid of an authentic human identity.

The Nature of Identity and Memory

The crux of Rheya's inability to be classified as truly human lies in her lack of an independent identity. Unlike real individuals who possess multifaceted personalities shaped by diverse experiences, Rheya is a construct of Kelvin's memories. This limitation is evident in Kelvin's initial perception of her, where he remarks, “she seemed somehow stylized, reduced to certain characteristic expression, gestures and movement” (Lem 58). If Rheya's mother or close friends were present, they would encounter different versions of her, each reflecting their unique memories and experiences. Snow, another character, articulates this idea by stating, “she is a mirror that reflects a part of your mind” (Lem 154). Rheya, therefore, is a reflection of Kelvin's memories, lacking the substance and complexity that define true humanity.

Projection of Humanity onto the Inhuman

Throughout the narrative, Kelvin's interactions with both Rheya and the Ocean reveal his tendency to project human characteristics onto non-human entities. When Rheya dies, he projects feelings of malice onto the Ocean, to which Snow retorts, “You yourself treat it like a human being” (Lem 192). This inability to view entities outside the lens of humanity is a recurring theme in Kelvin's relationship with Rheya. Although he acknowledges that she is not his real wife, he struggles to fully recognize her as an alien being, viewing her humanity as a mere reflection of his own memories.

Questioning Love and Autonomy

Throughout Solaris, Snow serves as a catalyst for Kelvin to confront his feelings toward Rheya. Kelvin insists that he loves her, but Snow counters with, “Her memory, you mean?” (Lem 153). This statement holds weight, as the Rheya present in Solaris is fundamentally a manifestation of Kelvin's memories. While Kelvin may genuinely love this version of Rheya, it is crucial to recognize that his affection is rooted in his past experiences with the real Rheya. Unlike Kelvin, Snow appears more pragmatic, suggesting that he may dispose of his visitors once they no longer serve a purpose. This contrasts with Kelvin's growing attachment to Rheya, leading him to perceive her as more human the longer they are together. However, this perception is inevitably clouded by his guilt and unresolved feelings regarding his deceased wife.

The Illusion of Humanity

Rheya's moments of apparent humanity are often deceptive. Her reaction upon realizing her existence as a product of the Ocean exemplifies this complexity. She attempts to separate herself from the 'real' Rheya, stating, “do not forget that I am the one who is here, not her” (Lem 146). Although this assertion suggests a level of self-awareness, it underscores her lack of an independent identity. Rheya's acknowledgment of her origins reflects an understanding that her existence is intertwined with Kelvin's memories, stripping her of true autonomy. Even her final act of sacrifice, intended to grant Kelvin a future, can be interpreted through the lens of her inhuman nature. Rheya’s decision mirrors the original Rheya's struggles, reinforcing the notion that her actions are not entirely her own but rather a reflection of Kelvin's perceptions and expectations.

Conclusion: The Essence of Humanity

Humans possess an intrinsic desire to project their image onto technology, a theme that resonates deeply within science fiction. Rheya's character represents a unique exploration of this phenomenon, as she is an artificial construct born from alien technology rather than human design. Though she exhibits consciousness and emotions, her identity is a mere shadow of the real Rheya, shaped entirely by Kelvin's memories. This leads to the unsettling conclusion that, while Rheya may appear alive with human-like qualities, her essence lacks the authenticity that defines true humanity. In the end, Solaris invites readers to contemplate the complexities of identity, memory, and what it truly means to be human.