71 pages 2 hours read

Bethany Wiggins

Stung

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2013

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Themes

The Consequences of Rash Behavior

In Stung, rash behavior or imprudent action results in dire consequences. The foundational premise of Stung begins with precipitous decisions by the government and their scientists to genetically modify honeybees in the face of bee extinction, rather than mandate stronger environmental regulations that might have saved the bees naturally. The brazen decision to circumvent the real problem and attempt a laboratory shortcut fails disastrously, resulting in the catastrophic bee flu, the subsequent vaccination fiasco, and creating the terrifying wasteland of synthesized agriculture famine into which Fiona awakens. Over the course of four years, rash, panicked actions led to only further disaster: parents deposited their endangered children in medical facilities for drug-induced comas to preserve them for a potential cure. The federal government injudiciously relinquished any control or attempt at providing leadership or help. Walls went up, and society was segregated.

By the time Fiona awakens, the landscape and societal infrastructure has changed or collapsed so much that she cannot help but make her decisions instinctually, rapidly, and (through no fault of her own) without the necessary information or context. She consequently makes the brash choice to leap into the sewer with Arris and go along with her ploy to steal a Fec from the militia.