Mr. Loneliness by Henry Slesar

Name: Mr. Loneliness
Author: Henry Slesar

The story revolves around Pace, a solitary observer stationed on an asteroid, grappling with the intense loneliness of space. He is visited by three men, Briggs, Towne, and Murchison, who are actually electronic projections sent to provide companionship. Despite their presence, Pace remains despondent, expressing his frustration with the isolation and the harsh conditions of the asteroid. The visitors suggest various activities to keep him occupied, but Pace is uninterested, revealing his deeper longing for human connection, particularly with a woman named Laura who couldn't visit due to illness. The conversation reveals the psychological toll of isolation on Pace, who is acutely aware of time and struggles with feelings of insignificance. The visitors attempt to reassure him of his importance to the space fleet, but their efforts fall flat. Towne's insensitive remarks about Pace's loneliness and his longing for Laura provoke a confrontation, leading Pace to attempt to physically attack Towne, only to pass through him, as Towne is merely a hologram. The story concludes with the visitors disconnecting, leaving Pace alone once more, highlighting the futility of their visit and the depth of his isolation. The narrative underscores the emotional and psychological challenges faced by individuals in remote space outposts, emphasizing the human need for genuine connection and the inadequacy of artificial substitutes.

By Henry Slesar · First published 1959 · Genre: Science Fiction, Psychological Drama, Thriller · 1,974 words

First lines

It is lonely out there in space. Very, very lonely! A man needs to see a human face, hear a human voice. So visitors have to be sent out somehow -- by some means.

There were winds on the asteroid, and they blew in threads of heat and cold, chilling your feet and dampening your brow with sweat. The man shivered and cursed when the winds blew, condemning the freak currents of space, damning the Authority which had anchored him to this lonely outpost.

What this Textopian page supports

Mr. Loneliness is listed on Textopian as a short story by Henry Slesar, dated 1959 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: 1959 CE
Language: English
Genres: Science Fiction, Psychological Drama, Thriller, Existential Fiction, Satirical Fiction
Length: 1,974 words
Structure: 1 section, 88 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Genres

Science Fiction — The narrative is set in space with futuristic technology, outposts, and interstellar travel, all hallmarks of the science fiction genre.
Psychological Drama — The work delves into themes of loneliness, inner turmoil, and the emotional consequences of isolation in an alien environment.
Thriller — The sudden escalation into violence and tense interpersonal conflicts contribute to a suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat atmosphere.
Existential Fiction — The story probes the nature of existence and human purpose in the vast, indifferent expanse of space, prompting existential reflections.