Beauty Contest? by Henry Slesar
The story revolves around a beauty contest with a twist, set at the Omaha Spaceport. The contest, ostensibly a publicity stunt, is actually a recruitment drive for women to join men on Mars. The contestants, all beautiful women, undergo rigorous tests that go beyond typical beauty pageant requirements, including physical endurance and domestic skills. The narrative follows the experiences and interactions of the contestants, highlighting their struggles and camaraderie as they navigate the challenges of the contest. The protagonist, a girl from Cleveland, stands out for her resilience and adaptability. Despite the grueling nature of the tests, she perseveres, demonstrating qualities beyond physical beauty. The contest culminates in a "Show Night," where the women dress in their finest gowns for the final judging. Captain Johannson, who oversees the contest, reveals the true purpose of the event: to find suitable partners for the men pioneering Mars, offering the women a chance at a new life on the red planet. The protagonist wins the contest, symbolizing the ideal blend of beauty, intelligence, and character sought by the judges. Her victory is not just a personal achievement but a gateway to a new world and a new life, as she accepts the offer to join the men on Mars, taking her trophy and embarking on an unprecedented adventure.
By Henry Slesar · First published 1958 · Genre: Science Fiction, Satire, Comedy · 5,393 words
First lines
_The announcement went out and gorgeous girls responded from all over the nation. But after being put through a routine that would have exhausted a water buffalo, they asked each other in amazement: This is a -- -- _
The girl in the yellow bathing suit plucked out her hairpins in exasperation and flung them on the vanity table. The redhead seated beside her looked over understandingly.
What this Textopian page supports
Beauty Contest? is listed on Textopian as a short story by Henry Slesar, dated 1958 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: 1958 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Satire, Comedy, Social Commentary
- Length: 5,393 words
- Structure: 1 section, 147 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Beauty Contest? 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 Beauty Contest??
- 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 setting involves futuristic elements such as spaceports, Mars colonization, and interplanetary travel, central to the narrative.
- Satire — The story employs exaggerated beauty contest scenarios and ironic twists to critique societal norms and gender roles.
- Comedy — Humorous dialogue and absurd situations provide a lighthearted tone that underscores the narrative’s playful approach.
- Social Commentary — The narrative offers insights into contemporary issues of superficiality, objectification, and societal expectations within a futuristic context.
Tags
suspense · thriller · mystery · dystopian · psychological · satire · dark comedy · competition · societal commentary · human nature · irony · social critique