In "A Scanner Darkly," the protagonist, Arctor, reflects on the state of existence and the essence of divinity, declaring that God is dead, which conveys a sense of despair and disillusionment. His statement suggests a profound emptiness or loss of faith in traditional values and belief systems, indicative of the novel's exploration of identity and reality in a drug-ridden future.

Luckman, responding humorously, implies that such a claim is unexpected, as if to lighten the heavy realization with sarcasm. This exchange highlights the absurdity of their situation and the struggle to find meaning in a fractured society. Dick skillfully intertwines philosophical questions with interpersonal dynamics, enriching the narrative with layers of existential inquiry.