Keep Out by Fredric Brown (1953)
The story follows a man who breaks into an abandoned house and discovers a mysterious machine that can transport him to different times and places. As he explores the machine's capabilities, he becomes increasingly paranoid about being discovered by others who may want to use it for their own purposes. The book is known for its twist ending, which has become a classic example of science fiction storytelling.
By Fredric Brown · First published 1953 · Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Speculative Fiction · 1,523 words
First lines
_With no more room left on Earth, and with Mars hanging up there empty of life, somebody hit on the plan of starting a colony on the Red Planet. It meant changing the habits and physical structure of the immigrants, but that worked out fine. In fact, every possible factor was covered -- except one of the flaws of human nature._
Daptine is the secret of it. Adaptine, they called it first; then it got shortened to daptine. It let us adapt.
What this Textopian page supports
Keep Out is listed on Textopian as a short story by Fredric Brown, dated 1953 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Fredric Brown
- Date: 1953 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Speculative Fiction, Thriller, Adventure
- Length: 1,523 words
- Structure: 1 section, 32 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Keep Out by Fredric Brown
- 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 Keep Out?
- How does this short story by Fredric Brown fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Wanted One Sane Man by Frank M. Robinson
- Knock Three One Two by Fredric Brown
- Madame Storeys Way by Hulbert Footner
- Two Timer by Fredric Brown
- Dark Windows by Bryce Walton
- Unwelcome Tenant by Roger Dee Aycock
Genres
- Science Fiction — The story is set on Mars and involves advanced scientific concepts such as genetic adaptation and space colonization.
- Dystopian — The narrative explores themes of control, manipulation, and rebellion against an oppressive system.
- Speculative Fiction — The plot speculates on future human evolution and societal changes due to extraterrestrial colonization.
- Thriller — The story contains elements of suspense and tension, particularly with the planned uprising against the Earthmen.
Tags
mystery · suspense · thriller · crime · detective · noir · short stories · psychological · dark humor · twist ending · literary fiction · American literature