# Power and Authority in Short Fiction

> Theme guide for Short Fiction by Philip K. Dick.

Authority figures often misuse power, seen in Captain Franco's dictatorial control over the wub, the Council's manipulation of Conger in 'The Skull,' and the oppressive government surveillance in 'The Defenders' and 'The Gun.'

## Where it surfaces

- [The Skull](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_43_se/chapters/the-skull): The Speaker and the Council manipulate Conger, using state power to eliminate a perceived threat.
- [The Defenders](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_43_se/chapters/the-defenders): The leadys attempt to control human movement and knowledge, but the humans assert their authority through force and investigation.
- [The Variable Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_43_se/chapters/the-variable-man): The conflict between Reinhart and Dixon over how to handle Cole highlights the tension between authoritarian control and scientific inquiry.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_43_se/chapters/i): Reinhart exerts control over the war effort, the Council, and Sherikov, demonstrating authoritarian power.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_43_se/chapters/ii): Commissioner Reinhart exerts authoritarian control, arresting the research staff and prioritizing security over understanding.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_43_se/chapters/iii): Reinhart and Sherikov represent different approaches to power: Reinhart relies on the machines, while Sherikov emphasizes human agency and the Icarus project.
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_43_se/chapters/iv): Reinhart abuses his authority to arrest Sherikov and manipulate the S.R.B. machines, demonstrating the corrupting influence of unchecked power.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_43_se/themes/power_and_authority
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_43_se/themes