The Stowaway by Alvin Heiner

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About this eBook

Author Heiner, Alvin
Title The Stowaway
Note Reading ease score: 86.2 (6th grade). Easy to read.
Credits Produced by Greg Weeks, Stephen Blundell and the Online
Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Summary "The Stowaway" by Alvin Heiner is a science fiction short story originally published in the early 1950s. The narrative explores themes of ambition, identity, and the quest for recognition through the lens of a working-class protagonist, Joe Spain, who seeks glory and representation by sneaking onto a rocket ship headed to the Moon. This work reflects the mid-20th century's fascination with space exploration and the socio-political dynamics of class. The story centers around Joe Spain, a determined but overlooked worker who dreams of being part of the historic moon mission. Despite ridicule from his peers and the overwhelming security at the launch site, he concocts a plan to stow away in a barrel that will be sent aboard the rocket. With great desperation, he succeeds in gaining access and rides in the barrel during the launch. However, once aboard, he discovers the ship is experimental and doomed to explode. Alone in darkness, Joe grapples with his fate, realizing he will never be acknowledged or remembered for his daring aspirations. The story ultimately serves as a poignant commentary on the human desire for significance amidst societal indifference. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class PS: Language and Literatures: American and Canadian literature
Subject Science fiction
Subject Short stories
Subject Space flight to the moon -- Fiction
Category Text
EBook-No. 30361
Release Date
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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