Benefactor by George H. Smith (1974)
Benefactor is a novel by George H. Smith that explores the themes of power and corruption in politics. The story follows a young man named Jack who becomes involved with a powerful politician and his wife, and discovers their dark secrets. As he tries to navigate this dangerous world, Jack must decide where his loyalties lie and what he is willing to sacrifice for success.
By George H. Smith · First published 1974 · Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Speculative Fiction · 1,073 words
First lines
_We can anticipate that robots will be fiercely resented, at first, in a society that will see them as the latest -- and an indestructible -- widespread threat to the workers whom they will replace. The men who will seek to alter the status quo will be called "robot lovers" and stoned. But what happens next? _
He clutched at the lever with more force than he'd intended. It was set for further in the future.
What this Textopian page supports
Benefactor is listed on Textopian as a short story by George H. Smith, dated 1974 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: George H. Smith
- Date: 1974 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Speculative Fiction, Adventure, Drama
- Length: 1,073 words
- Structure: 1 section, 26 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Benefactor by George H. Smith
- 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 Benefactor?
- How does this short story by George H. Smith fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Righteous Plague by Robert Abernathy
- Game Preserve by Robert Silverberg
- Witness by George H. Smith
- The Inquisitor by Robert Silverberg
- Escape Mechanism by Charles E. Fritch
- Instinct by George O. Smith
Genres
- Science Fiction — The narrative revolves around advanced technology, specifically robots and time travel, set in a future society.
- Dystopian — The story explores themes of societal collapse and the negative impact of technological advancements on human employment and existence.
- Speculative Fiction — The plot speculates on future societal reactions to technological innovations and their long-term consequences.
- Adventure — The protagonist's journey through time and the ensuing challenges provide an adventurous narrative arc.
Tags
philosophy · ethics · altruism · individualism · libertarianism · morality · social responsibility · human nature · self-interest · charity · political theory · economic theory