The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch

"The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch" by Philip K. Dick explores themes of identity, reality, and control. It depicts a future where humans use mind-altering drugs and experience shared illusions. Palmer Eldritch, a mysterious and powerful figure, introduces a new, more potent drug that blurs the lines between reality and illusion. The "three stigmata" symbolize Eldritch’s physical or symbolic marks—such as supernatural traits or signs—that emphasize his otherworldly influence and challenge characters’ perceptions of self and reality. Overall, the novel questions whether individuals can truly grasp their identity amidst manipulation and altered states.