A Kiss for the Conqueror
In a post-apocalyptic world, Lieutenant Bolgar, a soldier from the losing side of a war, is obsessed with a woman named Janice Damon. The story unfolds in a society where men are subjugated by women, who now hold power after the war. Bolgar, driven by a mix of desire and defiance, plans to kiss Janice, seeing it as a form of rebellion against the contempt he perceives from women. Despite warnings from his barrack-mate, Pulley, Bolgar proceeds with his plan. He ambushes Janice, forcibly kissing her, but is quickly apprehended by the authorities. The tribunal, composed of women, views his actions as typical male greed and decides to send him to a breeding camp as punishment. The narrative explores themes of power dynamics, gender roles, and the consequences of war, highlighting the reversal of societal norms and the enduring animosity between the sexes.
By Henry Slesar · First published 1966 · Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Thriller · 2,042 words
First lines
_From our innermost planet to the farthest reaches of space, one man plus one woman equals -- well, read Mr. Mitchell's story._
"Tonight's the night," Bolgar said.
What this Textopian page supports
A Kiss for the Conqueror is listed on Textopian as a short story by Henry Slesar, dated 1966 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Henry Slesar
- Date: 1966 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Thriller, Noir, Romance
- Length: 2,042 words
- Structure: 1 section, 89 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Kiss for the Conqueror by Henry Slesar
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Kiss for the Conqueror?
- How does this short story by Henry Slesar fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
Genres
- Science Fiction — The narrative features futuristic technology, space-age devices, and a post-war setting that clearly situate it in sci-fi.
- Dystopian Fiction — The depiction of a decaying society with rampant corruption, control measures, and contaminated zones underscores dystopian themes.
- Thriller — The story's fast pace, tension-filled encounters, and sudden shifts in character dynamics provide a thriller-like atmosphere.
- Noir — The morally ambiguous characters, dark urban environment, and bleak outlook contribute to a noir sensibility.
Tags
suspense · thriller · crime · romance · mystery · psychological · twists · betrayal · intrigue · revenge · drama · seduction