https://doi.org/10.67147/literariness.v1i2.019
Techno-sapiens and Posthuman Intimacy in Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone’s This Is How You Lose the Time War
Divya Uthup
Research Scholar in English
St. Thomas College, Kozhencherry, Kerala, India
Assistant Professor, Department of English
Baselius College, Kottayam (Autonomous), Kerala, India
Dr. Tom Thomas
Professor & Research Guide
Department of English
St. Thomas College, Kozhencherry, Kerala, India
Abstract: The figure of the posthuman is capable of producing new patterns of intimacies and desires that transcend conventions and traditions, often blurring the boundaries of gender and sexuality. Techno-sapiens, an amalgamation of organic human matter with technology, possess the potential to subvert many conventional notions associated with human existence as they bring heterogeneous elements together, considerably damaging the idea of human autonomy. Techno-sapiens mark another phase in the history of human evolution and contribute to various kinds of queerness with their bionic parts, augmented consciousness and enhanced potential. They also produce new prospects of eros and intimacy, based on the ideals of posthumanism, post-dualism and singularity.
This paper is an attempt to examine how traditional notions of human existence are challenged in the midst of chaos and confusions of futuristic times, and how it shapes new forms of affection, identity and intimacy; erasing the binaries of difference. This is an attempt to understand the possible features of an emerging posthuman culture and existence, and to examine new patterns of eros and intimacy associated with evolving Techno-sapiens. This is How You Lose the Time War (2019) by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone is an epistolary speculative fiction which uses the theme of time travel to portray multiverses and parallel realities. Its non-confirming characters are characterised by their blend with technology who find intimacy in odd ways and manners in a post singularity world. By moving beyond the constraints of time and space, the novel presents an alternative view of humans co-existing with technology and exhibiting new models of attachment and affection.
Keywords: Techno-sapiens, posthuman intimacy, singularity, non-conforming bodies, techno queer, cyborg love
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