Science fiction | Lecturia

Arthur C. Clarke: Dial F for Frankenstein

Dial “F” for Frankenstein is a short story by Arthur C. Clarke, published in January 1965 in Playboy magazine. The story begins with a mysterious global event: in the early morning hours, all the world’s telephones ring in unison, emitting an enigmatic sound that nobody can quite figure out. Amid the confusion, a group of engineers and scientists begin to exchange theories while reflecting on the implications of the new satellite communications network. What initially seems like a simple technical failure soon leads to disturbing questions about the excess of technology and its possible consequences.

Isaac Asimov: A Boy’s Best Friend

Isaac Asimov - El mejor amigo de un muchacho

A Boy’s Best Friend is a short story by Isaac Asimov, published in March 1975 in the magazine Boys’ Life. The story follows Jimmy, a boy who has grown up on the Moon and whose only playmate is Robutt, a robot dog designed to keep him company. Together, they explore the lunar surface, sharing a special connection. One day, his father has a surprise for him that has arrived from Earth, something that could change his life.

Octavia E. Butler: Bloodchild

Bloodchild is a short story by Octavia E. Butler, published in June 1984 in Asimov’s Science Fiction Magazine. The story follows Gan, a young Terran who lives on a reservation governed by the Tlic, an alien species whose well-being depends on humans. Gan has grown up protected by T’Gatoi, an influential Tlic leader linked to his family since birth. However, underlying this coexistence is a disturbing pact that will test Gan’s beliefs and will.

Arthur C. Clarke: The Star. Summary and analysis

The Star is a short story by Arthur C. Clarke, published in November 1955 in Infinity Science Fiction. It tells the story of a space expedition investigating the remains of an ancient supernova. The protagonist, a Jesuit priest, and astrophysicist reflects on his faith as he observes the devastation caused by the stellar explosion. On a distant planet, the crew discovers the remains of an advanced civilization that tried to preserve its legacy before the catastrophe. As the priest analyzes the history of that lost world, he begins to question his beliefs and the nature of the universe.

Isaac Asimov: Robbie

“Robbie,” a short story by Isaac Asimov published in September 1940 in Super Science Stories and later included in the collection I, Robot (1950), tells the story of Gloria, an eight-year-old girl, and her robot Robbie, designed to be her companion and babysitter. Gloria and Robbie have a very close relationship, always playing and sharing adventures. However, Gloria’s mother, concerned about the robot’s influence and the neighbors’ opinion, decides to get rid of Robbie, convinced that a machine cannot be a suitable companion for a child.

Isaac Asimov: Trends. Summary and analysis

Trends, a short story by Isaac Asimov published in Astounding Science-Fiction in July 1939, presents a future where humanity, after a period of scientific progress, has fallen into conservatism and opposition to space exploration. John Harman, a visionary scientist, struggles to launch the first spacecraft into space while facing hostility from a world that considers his project a threat. With the support of a few allies, he challenges censorship and religious fanaticism, determined to prove that progress cannot be stopped.