The Psychological Regulator
The Psychological Regulator by C.M. Kornbluth: Plot Summary: The novel follows the story of a man named John who is struggling to cope with the demands of modern life. He becomes increasingly disillusioned and feels like he is losing control over his own mind and body. In an attempt to regain control, John turns to a mysterious figure known only as "The Regulator," who promises to help him achieve mental clarity and stability. However, the Regulator's methods are unconventional and ultimately lead to John's downfall. Themes: The novel explores themes of mental illness, the pressure to conform to societal norms, and the dangers of relying too heavily on external authorities for emotional stability. Symbolism: The Regulator represents the societal expectations and pressures that can drive individuals to madness. The novel suggests that the pursuit of mental clarity and stability can lead to a loss of individuality and autonomy.
By C.M. Kornbluth · First published 1950 · Genre: Science Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Dystopian Fiction · 12,174 words
First lines
The nurse at the desk of Floor 24, Ward 5, flexed a smooth, tan arm and looked at the hall chronometer. She sighed inaudibly. 20: 13: 09, said the dial. Two more hours on duty for Miss Markett Travenor, F-2349464-23a-10-256W-26. Which was to say that her file was Female number 2349464 in the Register of Persons, that she lived in apartment 23 on floor 10 in building 256 on the West side of parkzone 26. Examination of her face and figure would have convinced you that one as lovely as she could have existed by accident only in the Twentieth Century. Happily, however, by the year 2046 (in which she was born), scientific mating was no dream of a few forward-looking visionaries, but a reality: she was the lovely offspring of a couple carefully paired.
What this Textopian page supports
The Psychological Regulator is listed on Textopian as a novel by C.M. Kornbluth, dated 1950 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: C.M. Kornbluth
- Date: 1950 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Dystopian Fiction
- Length: 12,174 words
- Structure: 1 section, 231 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Psychological Regulator by C.M. Kornbluth
- 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 The Psychological Regulator?
- How does this novel by C.M. Kornbluth fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Drug by C. C. Macapp
- The Syndic by C. M. Kornbluth
- The Standardized Man by Stephen Bartholomew
- The Chasers by Daniel F. Galouye
- Instinct by George O. Smith
- The Tunnel Under The World by Frederik Pohl
Genres
- Science Fiction — C.M. Kornbluth is a well-known science fiction author, and the title suggests a plot involving science or technology influencing the mind.
- Psychological Fiction — The title also indicates that the psychological element could be a significant thematic component of the book, thus placing it within this sub-genre.
- Dystopian Fiction — Kornbluth often explores dystopian themes in his work, which could potentially apply to this title.
Tags
science fiction · psychology · dystopia · social commentary · technology · human behavior · control · manipulation · government · society · ethics · futurism