Challenge 200

Something for Everyone

In Bryce V. Giroux’s “Shadows of Forever,” Kalzrok intervenes in force rather late in the story. His appearance serves a dramatic purpose, but what is the purpose of his mission to the northern lands? Could it have occurred earlier?
About Tala Bar’s “The Queen and the Hero” and “Heroes and Heroism”:
1. Does the story “The Queen and the Hero” illustrate the essay “Heroes and Heroism” or does the essay explain the story?
2. “Heroes and Heroism” cites some elements of the Jesus story as belonging to those of classic heroes. A historical note: the December 25th “birth date” was adopted in later times to coincide with the Roman festival of Saturnalia, which was rowdy enough to cover the Christians’ celebration when they were still being persecuted in Rome. Outside of comparative mythology, has Jesus ever been associated with a “Sun god” myth?
3. How important are the other classical parallels in the Jesus story? Why did it become the basis of a world religion while the others did not? With a slightly liberal interpretation of the criteria, might not Moses — also a founder of one of the world’s great religions — likewise qualify as a classic hero?
4. Are these heroes also prophets or the prophets also heroes?
5. Does mythology precede or follow history?
6. “Heroes and Heroism” raises a number of intriguing questions such the significance of the anti-hero: Might the anti-hero be an essential feature of horror fiction?
In Edward Burger’s “The Dolphins’ Story”:
1. How do the tall tales fit with the frame story? Do any appear to be exceptions? If so, how might their inclusion be justified?
2. Would “The Dolphins’ Story” succeed best as a stage play or radio play?
J. B. Hogan reprises the theme of time traveler Stephen White’s visiting historical events as an almost perceptible ghost. In “Holy Wafer,” White witnesses the Crucifixion from the viewpoint of the Romans and the subject people. Does White learn anything from the experience that he didn’t already know? What do you think of Stephen White at the end?
Gary Inbinder’s “Noble Lies” actually has a double story: that of Ludwig and Aurelia and that of Zack and the Consul. Would our understanding of Ludwig’s fate be enhanced if Zack or the Consul alluded to “tests” that they, themselves, might have “passed” in order to attain their exalted status?
Carmen Ruggero’s “Audition” has a lot of interior monologue. Could the story nonetheless be performed on stage as a play in one act and three scenes?
Where do you think fiction leaves off and autobiography begins in Camille Parker’s “Muttawain”? Does it matter?
The discoveries in Ecks Ridgehead’s “The Universe Game” parody the black monolith in the film 2001: a Space Odyssey. What does the role of the mysterious extraterrestrial artifact in 2001 imply regarding Arthur C. Clarke’s view of humanity? Is “The Universe Game” a rebuttal? If you were going to differ with Clarke, how would you do it?

Responses welcome!