
Martyr by Alan Edward Nourse (1960)
"Martyr" is a science fiction novel written by Alan Edward Nourse in 1954. The story follows the journey of a young man named John Hathaway, who is diagnosed with a rare and incurable disease that causes him to age at an accelerated rate. As he navigates his declining health and the challenges that come with it, Hathaway becomes increasingly disillusioned with society's values and beliefs. He begins to question the meaning of life and the purpose of human existence, ultimately leading him to a profound realization about the nature of reality and the human experience. Through his struggles and reflections, Hathaway comes to understand that true fulfillment and happiness can only be found in the acceptance and embrace of one's own mortality.
By Alan Edward Nourse · First published 1960 · Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Action · 9 chapters · 24,484 words
First lines
"I can break him, split his Criterion Committee wide open _now_ while there's still a chance, and open rejuvenation up to everybody."
Four and one half hours after Martian sunset, the last light in the Headquarters Building finally blinked out.
What this Textopian page supports
Martyr is listed on Textopian as a novel by Alan Edward Nourse, dated 1960 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Alan Edward Nourse
- Date: 1960 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Action, Mystery, Thriller
- Length: 24,484 words
- Structure: 9 chapters, 486 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Martyr by Alan Edward Nourse
- 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 Martyr?
- How does this novel by Alan Edward Nourse fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
Genres
- Science Fiction — The novel represents futuristic societies and technologies, centred around medical and ethical dilemmas, which is a signature theme of science fiction.
- Dystopian — The novel presents a dystopian future where corporations and medical crimes pervade, making dystopian a relevant genre.
- Action — The novel's plot involves several scenes of conflict, struggle and escape sequences, fulfilling the requirements of an action genre.
- Mystery — Elements of intrigue and problem-solving associated with the main character's efforts to uncover truth contribute to the mystery genre.
Tags
back · carl · could · course · dan · even · eyes · face · fiction · fowler · get · go
Contents
- CHAPTER I
- CHAPTER II
- CHAPTER III
- CHAPTER IV
- CHAPTER V
- CHAPTER VI
- CHAPTER VII
- CHAPTER VIII
- CHAPTER IX
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