Challenge 247

Old Times There Are Not Forgotten

Gary Inbinder’s Noble Lies is set in the far future in Consul Finn’s neo-Roman culture and Consul Cato’s mythical-magical culture. In light of advanced future technology and Luddy’s voyage to Algol 1, what might seem incongruous about the political, military, and cultural situation of Queen Artemisia?
Is William A. La Fleur’s “College Cult” a short story or does it seem to be a chapter out of a larger story, such as a novel? Explain the difference.
At what point do you know how the plot of John W. Steele’s “The Ice Man” is going to play out?
If the film Alien is “Jaws in space,” is Peter Woodruff’s “The Thing in the Pond” then “Jaws on the farm?” How might the story be rewritten to justify its conclusion?
Does the conclusion of Bruce Stirling’s “Baby eBay” expose the cynicism of “free market” economics? If not, how else can the story be interpreted? How might the story be written to underscore the tragedy inherent in what amounts to a slave trade?
Can you add any titles or memories to Steven Utley’s catalogue of music from the 1950’s and 60’s? Would you prefer to venture back earlier? Could one write a similar essay about more recent music such as heavy metal or rap?