From: mduhan@husc10.harvard.edu (Matthew Duhan)
Newsgroups: alt.fan.douglas-adams
Subject: MH spoilers and Questions
Date: 15 Oct 92 00:44:43 GMT
Organization: Harvard University Science Center


   I don't know.  I just finished MH and, well, it left me feeling empty
inside.  That's the best way I can describe it.  I like the way he tried
to wrap it all up, like Starvomuller Beta.  But, well, IT'S OVER.  MAYBE.
Throughout the book, I got the feeling that he didn't want to be writing
HH anymore, but I guess that any other SF that he does will invariably be
compared to it.  I don't know.  I'll try to ask him when he comes to read
on Tuesday. 
   Also, other questions about the book.  Were ALL Earths destroyed, or
just the one in our probability line? (Well, two if you count the first
one destroyed by the vogons and this one is the replacement from SL,ATFATF)
I mean, yes, our Arthurs and Trillians (two of each) were killed, but what
about other probability lines?  This is NOT to say that DNA should continue
with the HH series, just an observation.  Also, if the Guide, Mark II used
temporal reverse engineering to help the Vogons ensure the complete
destrustion of the Earth, how do we know that TRE was not used for other
things.  Specifically, if according to one theory both the ultimate
question and answer cannot exist in the same universe, then how do we
know that someone like Deep Thought did not use TRE to ensure that the
Guide, Mark II came into existance to ensure that both the Q and A would
not simultaneously exist.  After all, SOMEONE had to give the order to
the Vogons to destroy Earth, and we know that it relates to the ultimate
Q because of the events in RATEOTU. 
   Also, all of you can't be complaining that you didn't see this coming.
We know that something cataclysmic like this had to happen. (Well, looking
back now I realize)  The Earth and all inhabitants HAD to be destroyed
(and Marvin, too) because the Q CAN NEVER EXIST.  If it did, then people
would have known about it from time-travel.  In Restaurant, the universe
ends without the question being resolved, so we know that it never happens.
   The only unresolved question is what really happened to Fenchurch.  That
issue never got resolved.  Whether she ceased to exist, either because she
was an anomoly and did not fit or TRE, or whether she went elsewhere is   
unclear.  That and Bob could have been cleared up more.  Perhaps I'll ask
DNA about these too.
  Just one more thing.  I have to admit that the mention of Bob-fearing
people on the dust jacket was the final clincher that made me buy the book.

  Please send me comments on any of this.

Matt          mduhan@husc.harvard.edu
 

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