"A Scanner Darkly" is a science fiction novel by Philip K. Dick that explores themes of identity, surveillance, and substance abuse in a dystopian future. The story is set in a near-future California where a powerful and addictive drug called Substance D leads to severe duality in users' personalities. The narrative follows Bob Arctor, an undercover narcotics agent who becomes increasingly dependent on the very drug he is tasked with eradicating, causing him to lose track of his own identity.
The novel intricately examines the effects of drug use on the mind and society, portraying a world where technology and government surveillance invade personal lives. As Arctor's mental state deteriorates, the line between his roles as an agent and a drug user blurs, raising questions about reality and self-perception. The use of "scramble suits" in the story highlights themes of anonymity and the complexities of personal identity in a surveillance society.