English

 

For this last assignment you’ll need to read “The People of Sand and Slag,” the Hugo and Nebula nominated short story by Paolo Bacigalupi.  Be warned, it’s not a happy piece but is, in my opinion, one of the finest pieces of speculative fiction written in the last twenty years.

In no less than 4 pages take apart the piece using all the knowledge you’ve accrued over the course of the semester.  How do the plot, characters, setting, POV and tone of the piece create the desired affect?  What is Bacigalupi saying about what it means to be human?  Is he right?

Make sure to cite your direct quotes and I’ll need a bib and citations if you use outside sources.

Here’s the link:

https://www.baen.com/Chapters/1597801348/1597801348___3.htm