A Matter of Magnitude by Al Sevcik
The narrative revolves around a catastrophic event that threatens global devastation. A massive celestial body is on a collision course with Earth, prompting widespread panic and chaos. Governments scramble to respond, while individuals face existential crises. As the impending disaster draws near, societal norms begin to break down. The story explores themes of survival, sacrifice, and the human condition in the face of catastrophic loss. Characters must confront their own mortality and the consequences of their actions as they navigate a desperate bid for survival. The narrative is a commentary on humanity's relationship with technology, power, and the environment, raising questions about our capacity to mitigate or prevent such disasters.
By Al Sevcik · First published 1962 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Action · 2,542 words
First lines
_When you're commanding a spaceship over a mile long, and armed to the teeth, you don't exactly expect to be told to get the hell out._
The ship, for reasons that had to do with the politics of appropriations, was named Senator Joseph L. Holloway, but the press and the public called her Big Joe. Her captain, six-star Admiral Heselton, thought of her as Great Big Joe, and never fully got over being awestruck at the size of his command.
What this Textopian page supports
A Matter of Magnitude is listed on Textopian as a short story by Al Sevcik, dated 1962 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Al Sevcik
- Date: 1962 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Action, Drama
- Length: 2,542 words
- Structure: 1 section, 74 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Matter of Magnitude by Al Sevcik
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Matter of Magnitude?
- How does this short story by Al Sevcik fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Science Fiction — The book primarily explores themes related to advanced scientific concepts, speculations, and space travel.
- Adventure — The book follows characters as they engage in a thrilling journey and confront various challenges and dangers.
- Action — This book exhibits a range of dramatic, fast-paced scenes that contribute to an overall sense of urgency and suspense.
- Drama — The characters in the book face complex relationships and conflicts, adding a dramatic element to the story.
Tags
admiral · alien · back · big · bridge · control · course · desk · face · fiction · galaxy · got