24 pages 48 minutes read

Tom Godwin

The Cold Equations

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1954

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Essay Topics

1.

In what ways are Godwin’s ideas of the future informed by his contemporary surroundings? You should refer to what you know about the 1950s in your answer.

2.

How does Godwin set up an opposition between the space frontier and planet Earth? Why is it important for his story that they are drastically different places?

3.

Examine the denouement of Godwin’s story. How and to what effect does the author deploy the element of surprise?