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Short Fiction · Theme
Knowledge and Ignorance
How Short Fiction develops Knowledge and Ignorance.
In 'It Takes a Thief,' the protagonist's stolen knowledge of ancient technology contrasts with a society that has regressed into ritualistic ignorance, emphasizing the fragility of wisdom and the danger of lost information.
Where it surfaces
- It Takes a Thief
Asir's theft of ritual phrases gives him fragmented knowledge of Mars' dying condition and the ancients' technology, contrasting with the ignorance of the tribal council.
- Check and Checkmate
Smith fears the Red's superior knowledge of Western language and technology, highlighting the asymmetry of intelligence.
- The Ties That Bind
Meikl contrasts the spacers' knowledge of war and destruction with the natives' ignorance of such concepts, highlighting the cultural amnesia of Earth.