| Short Story Review: 'Why?' by Robert Silverberg |
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| Written by Administrator | |
| Wednesday, 22 February 2006 | |
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Title: Why? Author: Robert Silverberg Published in: Isaac Asimov's Science Fiction Treasury (Bonanza Books, 1980) This 1957 short story by Robert Silverberg is told from the viewpoint of a future explorer, mapping new planets and stars for the future settlement of the human race.Eleven years have passed since the narrator and Brock, his partner joined the Exploratory Corps, and in this time they have visited one hundred and sixty-four worlds. Now, wearing down over time, and starting to feel a bit worn, they begin to struggle understand, 'Why?'. Why did they leave earth? Why did they choose to spend eleven years travelling among unmapped worlds, risking life and death every day, for little reward? Why did they choose to leave behind the rest of society, and strike out on their own?'Why?' deals with the motivation of men. This story provides a deep insight into the characters which Robert Silverberg creates in so little time. By providing a detailed back story for the two main characters, Silverberg creates an understanding of their characters, a real sense of feeling of who they are. It is very possible to sympathize with their plight. At the end of the story, when they finally understand 'Why?', their motivations ring true within us. I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys great writing for the golden age of science fiction; this is Robert Silverberg at his best! |
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