Discussion Questions
1. Which elements of the setting are based
on extrapolation from astronomical fact?
2. Is the bubble suit a convincing piece
of extrapolation? Does it have a metaphoric function?
3. Imagine this story retold with a male
protagonist. How would it change in imagery, tone, or meaning?
4. Ulla Hillstrom thinks through her dilemma
in classic SF fashion, arriving at a desperate but inventive ploy to save
herself. In very unclassic fashion, she fails. Why did the author end the
story this way?
5. The psychologically symbolic elements
in the story, such as the bubble, the flying cloak, the well, and the staring
face of Saturn, are also explained rationally. Do the emotional and rational
sides of the story always work together? |
