The transnational corporations in Red Mars are at the tippy-top of the money-chomping food chain. They take and take from both planet and people alike in obscene measures, caring only for their profit margins. In their wake, the transnats leave a trash-ridden hole for others to scrounge through. To make matters worse, they've got the lawyers and politicians in their pocket to boot. At least, that's how it seems to be on Earth. Can things be different on Mars? Only time, and reading the novel, will tell.
Questions About Greed
- Okay, so those transnats are pretty greedy. Are there any other social institutions you see as particularly greedy? How? Remember: greed doesn't necessarily mean money.
- What do you think is the significance of Phyllis being a capitalist, scientist, and religious? What's the novel trying to say with this character?
- What are your thoughts on the novel's portrayal of capitalism? Do you think it's on the money (pun intended)? Wrongheaded? Something in-between?