Jeremiah functions as the colony’s intellectual theorist and, tragically, the first definitive example of how the destructive “anger, evil, and greed” of the old world can re-emerge, regardless of the change in environment. He is defined by his scientific curiosity, his intellectual pride, and his catastrophic failure in maintaining self control.
The Analyst and Theorist: Jeremiah is the most analytically minded of the young men. He is the one who steps forward to ask the crucial, existential questions about their mission. Based on their aging, he performs a complex calculation, deducing that they must have been traveling for “one thousand five hundred to one thousand five hundred fifty years”.
Philosophical Caution: He is deeply concerned with the underlying philosophy of the expedition. He is the one who brings up Kaplan’s theory that the Earth itself created “anger, evil, and greed” and expresses uncertainty when the new planet, Thrae, looks surprisingly similar to Earth.
Adherence to Rules (Initially): Jeremiah displays cautious leadership, particularly when he and Collin discover the rusted boxes. He reminds Collin of the fundamental rule: “We’re not supposed to ever be on our own”.
Jeremiah’s internal struggle centers on his intellectual ambition and a burgeoning sense of superiority, which conflicts with the group’s communist and non-technological philosophy.
Technological Curiosity: Despite Jenny’s goal of “simplifying life without past technologies” , Jeremiah still “wondered about technological advancements”. He secretly keeps a science/technological magazine from the rusted boxes and begins working on a rudimentary vehicle project.
Intellectual Pride: Jeremiah feels a “sense of superiority” over his cabin mate, Collin, because he assumes Collin’s hidden magazine (which is actually sexual in nature) is not about “groundbreaking ideas” like his own science magazine. This intellectual arrogance is a subtle but key flaw.
Failure of Shared Effort: His pride manifests tragically when he is working on his vehicle and rejects help from Andrew, snapping, “No, I’ll get it”. He insists the vehicle is “my idea,” highlighting an individualistic selfishness that runs contrary to the “mutual decisions” they were taught to make.
Jeremiah’s ultimate display is an act of violence born from frustration, confirming the failure of the mission’s ideals.
The Accidental Killer: While working on his vehicle and irritated by Andrew, Jeremiah confesses that he “went to swat him away, and I hit him in the head with a metal wheel”. Andrew dies from this blow. This act of murder, even accidental, is the first physical manifestation of the “Killer Earth” philosophy the group tried to escape.
Evasion and Dishonesty: His reaction is not immediate confession, but panic, as he runs away. When interrogated by Jenny, he initially evades her questions, preferring to jog to “avoid any conversation”. Jenny calls him out, suggesting that if it were truly an accident, he would have come forward “more voluntarily”.
The Banished Man: The group, fearing his “lack of self control” and inability to maintain the mission’s core values, votes to banish him. Jeremiah accepts this verdict and “shuffled towards his shelter” to collect his belongings.
Jeremiah’s banishment serves as the harshest judgment on the failure of the new world’s experiment. The one who most feared their return to Earth’s flaws became the person who most fully embodied them.
