LiterarY Analysis
Character and Plot (WARNING SPOILERS!)
James "Slippery Jim" Bolivar diGriz is described as a thief, a con man and an all around rascal. In this amazing book, diGriz, one of the universe's most formidable criminals. Nearly impossible to catch or kill. He is tracked down by the illusive Special Corps, who can either attempt to kill him, or hire him. Cornering him they manage to convince him to join the Special Corps. During his bland probation period, diGriz discovers the possibility of a secret battleship being built. In this age the universe was at peace, and the construction of a weapon if this kind of destruction was unheard of (at least until book two...). So after first being sent out for reconnaissance, he tracks down the destroyer, luring them into a trap. This encounter brings him, not knowingly, face to face with his worst adversary yet, her name Angelina. At first he believes the mastermind to be Pepe, but was actually being controlled by Angelina. The worst fact of the matter was James's infatuation for Angelina, not only was she beautiful but her mind was so similar to his he found her hard to resist. She had one major flaw, her disregard for human life. This made him leave the Corps to hunt her down. He found her hiding out on a remote planet, where after being assaulted by her, he faked his death to get an edge on her. Following her even further, he found her trying to insight a rebellion. This would allow for her to rule an entire planet. Posing as a body guard he grew even closer to her. Only to have the Corps intervene and capture her. After her capture she was subjected to a treatment that mostly removed her killer tendencies.
Symbolism
There is quite a bit of symbolism behind the name "the Stainless Steel Rat". The idea was originally thought of by Kathleen MacLean, while she and Harrison were talking about the future. She had made the comment that "we have flesh mice in wooden houses and in the future in our concrete houses we will have mechanical mice". This sparked Harrison's imagination.
James "Slippery Jim" Bolivar diGriz is described as a thief, a con man and an all around rascal. In this amazing book, diGriz, one of the universe's most formidable criminals. Nearly impossible to catch or kill. He is tracked down by the illusive Special Corps, who can either attempt to kill him, or hire him. Cornering him they manage to convince him to join the Special Corps. During his bland probation period, diGriz discovers the possibility of a secret battleship being built. In this age the universe was at peace, and the construction of a weapon if this kind of destruction was unheard of (at least until book two...). So after first being sent out for reconnaissance, he tracks down the destroyer, luring them into a trap. This encounter brings him, not knowingly, face to face with his worst adversary yet, her name Angelina. At first he believes the mastermind to be Pepe, but was actually being controlled by Angelina. The worst fact of the matter was James's infatuation for Angelina, not only was she beautiful but her mind was so similar to his he found her hard to resist. She had one major flaw, her disregard for human life. This made him leave the Corps to hunt her down. He found her hiding out on a remote planet, where after being assaulted by her, he faked his death to get an edge on her. Following her even further, he found her trying to insight a rebellion. This would allow for her to rule an entire planet. Posing as a body guard he grew even closer to her. Only to have the Corps intervene and capture her. After her capture she was subjected to a treatment that mostly removed her killer tendencies.
Symbolism
There is quite a bit of symbolism behind the name "the Stainless Steel Rat". The idea was originally thought of by Kathleen MacLean, while she and Harrison were talking about the future. She had made the comment that "we have flesh mice in wooden houses and in the future in our concrete houses we will have mechanical mice". This sparked Harrison's imagination.