Which piece of literature best portrays life to the full?

[Ursa major]

Robinson Crusoe. Then the AI could be called Weekend, given that he visits in his spare time.



If think what I was getting at in my earlier post is that you said in the original post that this was plot-related. Being a simple soul, I assumed you meant that his presence in these simulations had a purpose with regard to the progress of the plot. That was why I was suggesting that you need to know what the AI will observe and learn (in order to drive this part of the plot), which would narrow down your choices. If, however, it isn't so bound up with the plot, you have a freer hand when choosing.

 

[reiver33]

When I said this was 'plot related' I meant in the context of what background environment would be most likely as a setting for the MC to locate the AI he's trying to 'kidnap'. Rather than simply pluck one out of the air I wondered if there would be any consensus as to a work of literature which best encapsulates the human condition.

 

[The Judge]

Not so far!

 

[J Riff]

heil

The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, or any comprehensive book about WW2 would be in the running.

 

[Blackrook]

If the AI is female, any Jane Austen novel will do.

 

[TheDustyZebra]

Reading through the posts, I've been leaning toward recommending John D. MacDonald's Travis McGee books, but in the end I think I would have to say The Picture of Dorian Grey.

Flowers for Algernon wouldn't be a bad idea, either.

 

[daisybee]

Of Mice and Men stands out for me, though I am not sure whether it would be considered theme park material!

If its to gain greater understanding for the human condition, I like the dark drama of Wuthering Heights, the knowingness of Pride and Prejudice, and the idea that redemption is possible in A Christmas Carol.

If its a book for kicks, like a thrill ride, you could use a particular biography of somebody, that had an eventful life. Not sure who. Winston Churchill? He was quite witty too so could be a fun thing to write.

cool idea.

 

[mosaix]

To Kill A Mocking Bird.

 

[Karn Maeshalanadae]

Stone me to death for this one, but I would have to say "The Giving Tree" if you manage to look past its surface.


For those of you who don't know what that is, well.....that's what Google is for, I suppose.

 

[Langadune]

If the literary works are intended to be something the AI might "enjoy" as far as experiencing "life" you might consider children's book because they always have a positive life lesson and are imaginative. Perhaps even consider the classic adventures like "Treasure Island" or--I think someone already mentioned--"Peter Pan."

 

[Doctor Crankenstein]

This whole topic reminded me of Rommy from Andromeda.

or even see the charming, olde-worlde sights of Ankh-Morpork...

THIS

Personally I'd enjoy taking part in the Viking saga's... I know that's mythology not a book but I'm sure they have all been written down at some point or another...

I wouldn't mind having a cup of tea and a scone with Deep Thought or Multivac.

 

[paranoid marvin]

Wise Children

The absurd mixed with the sublime. A subtle ( and sometimes not so subtle) sense of humour , coincidences which turn out to be less coincidental than you think , and a generous dollop of Shakespeare to boot.

Just like real life really...

 

[Kiercoria99]

The Great Gatsby, the Grapes of Wrath, Stranger in a Strange Land, No Exit (I'd be curious what an AI would make of it), The Stranger.

 

[Bob Senior]

Laugh if you will, but for me, Walden


Bob S.

 

[ventanamist]

I don't think the AI would be mature enough for the subtlety of a lot of the stuff suggested. I would suggest the early Marvel superhero mythos - lots of plot, lots of action, character development too but nothing too demanding. Pilgrim's Progress might be worth considering.