The Commuter, Philip K. Dick: Summary & Analysis
'The Commuter': Exploring Alternate Realities and Existence 'The Commuter' is an early short story written by Philip K. Dick in 1953 and originally published in the science-fiction magazine Amazing. This tale can be categorized and analyzed as an alternative history story, blurring the boundaries between reality and fantasy. Summary: A Journey to the Elusive Macon Heights The story revolves around Macon Heights, a mysterious place that catches the attention of a little man attempting to purchase a train ticket to this non-existent destination. Jacobson, the ticket officer, is puzzled by the request since he knows there is no station called Macon Heights. The man becomes defensive and abruptly vanishes before Jacobson's eyes. Jacobson shares the strange incident with his manager, Bob Paine, who advises him to send the little man into the office if he returns to buy a ticket to Macon Heights. True to Paine's instructions, the man reappears, and Jacobson directs him t…