In the novel The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixn, The Trisolarian’s solar system contains three separate suns which functions as both a symbol of chaos and a means to reveal selfishness, ultimately illustrating how one often values their own circumstance over the circumstances of others.
To begin, the three suns present in the Trisolarian’s solar system serve as a symbol of chaos. The name of the book comes from the theory of the Three Body Problem. It is the idea that a third sun within a solar system causes unpredictable and often harsh orbits. Because of the unpredictable atmosphere of their home, the Trisolarians are faced with extreme weather conditions that threaten the survival of their species. Consequently, the three suns establish themselves as a chaotic and unforgiving symbol within the writing. Therefore, due to the chaotic symbol of the three suns, the three body problem serves to further both the plot, and the development of the three suns as a symbol of chaos.
While the suns serve as a symbol within the novel, their usefulness is not left there as they also are used to reveal qualities and themes. The three suns also function to further the plot which in turn reveals selfishness. The three body problem as mentioned above created a situation in which the Trisolarian’s had no choice but to seek out a new solar system to live within. Due to other reasons in the novel, the Trisolarians decide to invade earth and take it as their new home. Because the problem created by the three suns drove the Trisolarians out of their home, the home of another species was chosen to inhabit, despite the consequences that would be faced by the native species. Consequently, selfishness is revealed by the three suns as it is the driving force behind the invasion of the Trisolarians. Therefore, due to the three suns, it can be seen how one will often prioritize their own situation over the situation of others. There is another theory present in the novel that furthers this idea. The dark forest theory covers the idea that the universe is a “dark forest” and if one's presence is made known, then a predator is likely to take advantage of that. Earth made its presence known to the Trisolarians, and because of their circumstances with their tri-sun solar system, the Trisolarians decided earth would be their target for their habitat. Since this theory demonstrates the idea that others may take any advantage they can get in order to save themselves, it is clear that selfishness is a deep rooted theme within the novel. Thus, due to both the driving force of the three suns, and the dark forest theory, it is evident how often others value their own safety compared to others.
All in all, the three suns present in the Trisolarian’s solar system serve as symbols of chaos, and also to reveal selfishness within the novel. Through forcing self centered actions from multiple groups which is done through being a chaotic force, the three suns uncover hidden themes and push the plot along. The actions that these groups take due to the suns also reflect the tendency seen in society today. One will often value their own circumstances over the circumstances of others despite the cost, just as the Trisolarians and other alien groups do in The Three-Body Problem.
In the novel The Dark Forest, Liu Cixin creates scenes of violence that reveal the ideas of humanity’s position technologically, and within the universe, ultimately illustrating that in the vastness of space, humankind makes up a very small portion of everything.
To begin, Cixin writes a scene of an alien probe destroying humanity's space fleet which demonstrates how the human world falls far behind its alien neighbors. With the news of the Trisolarians committing to an invasion of earth, the world responded by coming together in order to build a state of the art space fleet to defend their planet. The Trisolarians quickly dealt with this threat by sending a single probe that destroyed the fleet with no resistance. Because the fleet was destroyed so easily, the scene is utilized not as senseless violence but rather a statement as to how far behind humankind was technologically. Consequently, a comparison is made between humankind and anything else that is out in the universe. Therefore, due to this technological comparison made by the scene of the probe destroying the fleet, humanity’s small role in the grand scale of space is revealed. The scene is also able to demonstrate the effect that reaching out into the rest of the universe has. Because Earth sent out a broadcast into space in an attempt to connect with alien life and eventually contacted the Trisolarians, their small role was revealed to both them and anything else receiving the signal. Consequently, as seen by Earth's weak and small technological advancements compared to the entirety of the universe, any other faction can take advantage of Earth’s smaller position in space. Thus, by Earth’s fleet being destroyed with such ease, its role in the grand scheme of everything is shown.
Next, the Dark Forest Theory demonstrates that the universe is vast and dangerous, with humans making up a very small portion of it. The Dark Forest Theory states that the universe is like a dark forest, in which every faction is a silent hunter, waiting for something to make its presence known. In the novel it is used as a plan in which if the Trilsolarians attempt to invade Earth, then humankind will make both of their presences known to the entire universe, ensuring mutually assured destruction. Because this theory paints the universe as an extremely vast space with possibly many factions within it, each faction’s role in the entirety of the universe seems smaller. Consequently, Cixin’s interpretation of the theory shows how humans, like any other faction lurking in the dark forest, are not at the center of everything, but rather are a small piece of a very large puzzle. Therefore, the concept of the violent Dark Forest Theory showcases how every faction within the universe plays a very small role in a much bigger picture.
All in all, the scenes of violence within The Dark Forest serve as a function to reveal humanity’s place technologically, and in the universe. These scenes show Earth as a weak force compared to its alien neighbors and reveals that in something as vast as space every faction plays a minimal role in the grand picture. Ultimately showing that when compared to the entirety of the universe, humankind makes up a small portion of space.