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"Planet of the Damned" by Harry Harrison is a science fiction novel that explores the theme of obligation and its impact on individuals and society. The novel is set in a future where humanity has expanded into the galaxy and established colonies on different planets. The protagonist of the novel, Terrans, is a man who lives on a harsh, unforgiving planet and is struggling to come to terms with his sense of obligation to those around him.The novel opens with the arrival of a young woman, Jana, on the planet. She is the daughter of the planetary governor and has come to the planet to learn about its people and customs. She is immediately taken aback by the harsh living conditions on the planet and is shocked to learn that the colonists are living in poverty and suffering from a lack of basic necessities. This experience prompts her to question her own sense of obligation to her fellow humans, as she realizes that she has been living a life of privilege on Earth and has never truly understood the suffering of others.Terran, the protagonist, is a man who has lived on the planet for many years and has come to accept the harsh conditions of life there. He has a strong sense of obligation to his fellow colonists and is constantly working to improve their lives. However, he is also aware that his efforts are often fruitless and that the colonists will never be able to escape the harsh realities of life on the planet. Despite this, Terran continues to work tirelessly to improve the lives of those around him, driven by his sense of obligation to his fellow humans.Throughout the novel, the theme of obligation is explored in depth, as both Jana and Terran grapple with their sense of responsibility to their fellow humans. Jana begins to realize that her privileged life has insulated her from the realities of life on other planets, and that her sense of obligation extends far beyond her own family and friends. On the other hand, Terran becomes increasingly disillusioned with his own sense of obligation, as he realizes that the harsh conditions of life on the planet will never change, no matter how hard he works.The novel also touches on the theme of government and bureaucracy, as the colonists are continually frustrated by the inaction of the planetary government, which is more concerned with maintaining its own power than improving the lives of the colonists. The lack of support from the government is a constant source of frustration for Terran, who is working to improve the lives of his fellow colonists, and highlights the ways in which the government can sometimes be more of a hindrance than a help.Another theme explored in the novel is that of the limits of technology and its impact on society. The colonists on the planet are reliant on technology to survive, but they also struggle to maintain and repair it, as they lack the necessary resources and expertise. This leads to a sense of hopelessness and despair, as they are unable to escape the harsh realities of life on the planet, no matter how hard they work. The novel suggests that technology can only do so much and that a lack of resources and support from the government can limit its ability to improve people's lives.In conclusion, "Planet of the Damned" is a thought-provoking novel that explores the themes of obligation, government, and the limits of technology. The protagonist, Terran, is a complex character who is struggling to come to terms with his sense of obligation to his fellow colonists, while Jana is a young woman who is beginning to understand the true meaning of obligation. Through their experiences, the novel sheds light on the importance of understanding and fulfilling our obligations to others, and the ways in which government and technology can impact our ability to do so. Overall, "Planet of the Damned" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that offers