The Theme of Solipsism
Solipsism is a condition where an individual believes that he or she is existing while others are not alive. In this novel, most of the characters do not know whether others are existing. Simply, no one knows the reality about the existence of others. Joe Chip, the main character is unsure whether what he is experiencing outside his mind is reality. After the explosion of the bomb blast, he believes that Glen Runciter is dead. However, he starts experiencing a shift in reality when he finds out that Runciter is alive.
The Paradox of Living Dead
Ubik offers readers insight into how characters are alive and at the same time dead. For instance, Glen Runciter, the CEO of Runciter Associates, is able to consult with his wife, Ella, who is assumed to be dead. Similarly, Runciter is apparently killed by a bomb blast. Later, he appears to Joe Chip and assures him he is alive. Readers get confused about whether the characters are dead or alive. The author creates a situation that cancels itself out.
The Theme of Spying
Spying is one of the dominant themes in Ubik. Pat Conley, a talented psychic, is sent by Ray Hollis to spy on Runciter Associate’s activities and carry out killings. Conley convinces Joe Chip that she has extraordinary strong anti-telepath abilities. Therefore, she needs to be hired by Runciter Associates. However, her main objective is not getting employed but spying on the organization before killing its employees. Hollis sent Conley as a spy and a killer.
The Theme of Business Rivalry
The business rivalry between Glen Runciter and Ray Hollis is openly displayed in this book. The competition for agents with anti-telepath capabilities leads up to the explosion that apparently kills Glen Runciter. When Glen Runciter gets a lucrative contract from business guru, Stanton Mick, Ray Hollis is not happy. Therefore, he plots to kill him using an explosion. Readers are able to understand the events that led up to the explosion.
Allegorical Representation of Capitalism
Each chapter begins with the advertisement of Ubik spray. The advertisements allegorically represent Karl Marx’s description of the value. Marx used the labor theory of value to deconstruct capitalism. The exhibition of adverts in every chapter highlights capitalism’s objective to satisfy the needs of a consumer. Similarly, Ubik is portrayed as a wonder-drug that can cure characters’ needs. In capitalism, means of production enriches organizations’ owners at the expense of employees. In Ubik, Ray Hollis and Glen Runciter (both owners of organizations) are getting rich at the expense of their workers.
