# Greed and Corruption in Short Science Fiction

> Theme guide for Short Science Fiction by Isaac Asimov.

Characters like Bankhead, Hornswoggle, and various criminals scheme to steal or exploit Sills' invention for personal profit, highlighting how greed drives unethical behavior and conflict.

## Where it surfaces

- [The Magnificent Possession](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se/chapters/the-magnificent-possession): Bankhead's fear of financial ruin, Hornswoggle's scheming, and Mike the Slug's criminal interest all illustrate greed and corruption surrounding the discovery.
- [A Night of Trouble](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se/chapters/a-night-of-trouble): Bankhead's lowball offer, Hornswoggle's scheming, and the gangsters' theft attempt all illustrate the corrupting influence of wealth.
- [An Unexpected Surprise!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se/chapters/an-unexpected-surprise): Gangsters rob Sills for his patent, and the pursuit of wealth drives both criminal and industrial interest in the discovery.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se/chapters/iii): The Merchant's rush to land for profit leads to the crash, illustrating the dangers of unrestrained commercial competition.
- [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se/chapters/xiii): The Merchant focuses on business terms and profit from the encounter, contrasting with the Explorer's more thoughtful perspective.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se/themes/greed_and_corruption
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se/themes