Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence, or A.I., technology affects the lives of the characters in Klara and the Sun tremendously. The novel's narrator and main character, Klara, is an artificial intelligence that humanity developed to help contend with the changing, competitive world. Although A.I. has allowed new, sentient beings to emerge in the world, it has spelled the end for countless others, especially animals, because of the pollution it contributed to. Paradoxically, humanity invented technology that was meant to help them, but ultimately resulted in the degradation of their life (and the Earth, because of the pollution A.I. causes, covering the planet in a cloud of smoke).
Intelligence
From an early age, children in the world of Klara and the Sun are given certain special abilities through genetic enhancement to become better and more intelligent students. In the world of Klara and the Sun, intelligence is valued above anything else. In fact, humans prioritized intelligence to the detriment of everything else, including actually living a full life filled with relationships, laughter, and fun. Although intelligence is important, when it is prioritized everything anything else, people (and in the case of the novel, the Earth) suffers tremendously. In other words, although intelligence is important, it is not the end-all-be all. Through this theme, the novel emphasizes the people for people like Josie to experience the world around her, including sometimes difficult and uncomfortable situations.
