Challenge 647

Horndogs in Space

1. In Channie Greenberg’s “Abandoned in an Insane Asylum,” is the term “insane asylum” in current use? If not, why might it be used in the poem?

2. In Gary Clifton’s “Champion of the Batonians,” is the battle between the humans and Argylians necessary? Could the same result have been achieved without it?

3. In Bill Kowaleski’s “Don’t Forget the Pastries,” is Sheriff Gustafson’s deal with the Sirians likely to help solve their drug-smuggling problem? How might Sean’s example as a fake Earthling corrupt them even more than, say, cheese snacks?

4. J. P. Flores’ “Mud”:

   1. Is it more than a coincidence that some of the characters have Biblical names? Do they reflect their namesakes in any way?
   2. In what way does Fr. Rinaldi misrepresent the nature of original sin?
   3. Why do Mud and Mara tolerate Fr. Rinaldi’s and Peter’s devious double-dealing and naive credulity?

5. In Denny Marshall’s “Time to Get Off This Rock”:

   1. The stars may be calling, but are they saying what we think they’re saying?
   2. Assuming that “this rock” is Earth, why is it “time” to get off it?
   3. What reasons can be found to agree and disagree with the poem in the “Space Colonies” discussion?
   4. Might the poem also apply to a frog?

6. In Henry F. Tonn’s “Legs to Die For”:

   1. Robert is a self-styled borderline “pervert” and flunk-out. Why? What is his psychological dysfunction, and what is its cause?

   2. How does Debra know what Robert is doing? Is she a realistic character or a kind of Sleeping Beauty? Does she address Robert’s problem or does she alleviate its symptoms?

   3. What does Robert learn from Debra? Does Debra seem to derive any benefit at all from the relationship? Do Robert and Debra have an emotional relationship beyond themselves individually? And what is Debra’s function: is she similar to Robert in her own way? Since she is evidently not a prostitute, does she qualify as an apprentice sex therapist?

   4. How does the characterization of Debra differ from that of Janatone and Diana in Bertrand Cayzac’s “Everybody Is Looking for Janatone”?

   5. Does the story implicitly overstep BwS’ guideline about plots that end with “but it was all a dream” or the equivalent?

Responses welcome!

Copyright © December 7, 2015 by Bewildering Stories
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