The Philosophy of Time TravelDonnie Darko

Written by Roberta Sparrow (or Grandma Death) in October 1944, it is intended as asimple and direct guide in a time of great danger'. Donnie is given the book in October 1988 by his science teacher, Prof. Monnitoff, during a time in which Donnie isexperiencing several strange and surreal events, not the least of which is a jet enginecrashing through the roof of his house. A jet engine which has not been reported missingfrom any plane.The book is divided up into several chapters, each of which are described below.

Foreword

The foreword contains a short introduction by Roberta Sparrow, and ends with the words:I pray that this is merely a work of fiction.If it is not, then I pray for you, the reader of this book.If I am still alive when the events foretold in these pages occur, then I hope that you willfind me before it is too late.

The Tangent Universe

This describes the concept of the Primary Universe, which we inhabit, the FourthDimension of Time, and the highly unstable Tangent Universe. The formation of a TangentUniverse is an extremely dangerous event, which can cause the collapse and destruction of the Primary Universe. The purpose of the book is to serve as a guide for the one chosen toend the Tangent Universe, and thus protect the Primary Univer

Water and Metal

The two key elements in time travel are water and metal. Water is the element used toconstruct Time Portals, and metal is used to construct Artifact Vessels.

The Artifact and the Living

The Artifact is a metallic object which signals the formation of a Tangent Universe, andappear under mysterious and inexplicable circumstances. The Living are drawn to theArtifact, and driven to try to discover its origin.

The Living Receiver

The Living Receiver is the person chosen to guide the Artifact back into the PrimaryUniverse, thus closing the Tangent Universe before it can fatally collapse. The LivingReceiver is also blessed with supernatural powers during the time of the Tangent Universe:increased strength and mind control as examples. The Living Receiver is also tormented bydreams and visions during his time within the Tangent Universe: a sign that things are notright.

The Manipulated Living

The Manipulated Living are often close friends or people around the Living Receiver,which in turn is centred on the Artifact. The Manipulated Living are prone to irrational behaviour: a result of their task to assist the Living Receiver in returning the Artifact to thePrimary Universe.

The Manipulated Dead

The Manipulated Dead are more powerful than the Living Receiver: these are people whichhave died within the span of the Tangent Universe, and can cross the Fourth Dimensional

barrier to communicate with the Living Receiver. They will also manipulate events suchthat there is no choice but to return the Artifact to the Primary Universe.