Carteris

Carteris is a fictional planet featured in the science fiction novel "The Space Merchants" by Frederik Pohl and C. M. Kornbluth. The novel, published in 1953, is a satirical look at consumerism and advertising in a dystopian future. Carteris plays a significant role in the narrative as the primary setting for much of the story.

The planet Carteris is depicted as heavily industrialized and overpopulated, a consequence of unchecked economic growth and environmental degradation. Its atmosphere is polluted, and the natural landscape is largely obscured by towering advertising billboards and sprawling urban development. Life on Carteris is characterized by a relentless pursuit of consumer goods, driven by pervasive and manipulative advertising campaigns. The inhabitants of Carteris are shown to be deeply entrenched in this consumer culture, often prioritizing material possessions and status symbols over genuine well-being or personal freedom.

The protagonist of "The Space Merchants," Mitch Courtenay, is a successful advertising executive operating on Carteris. His career and personal struggles are intricately tied to the planet's social and economic structure. The narrative uses Carteris as a backdrop to explore themes of corporate control, the commodification of human experience, and the psychological impact of a society dominated by advertising. The harsh realities of life on Carteris, such as scarcity of resources and social stratification, are contrasted with the glossy, idealized images presented in advertisements. The planet serves as a stark warning about the potential consequences of a society that prioritizes consumption above all else.