Tubemonkey by Jerome Bixby (1952)
The story revolves around a young boy who befriends a monkey that has been exposed to radiation and develops telepathic abilities. The boy learns to communicate with the monkey through mental images and eventually becomes dependent on it for companionship. As the boy grows older, he struggles with his own identity and sense of self, feeling isolated from others due to his unique connection with the monkey.
By Jerome Bixby · First published 1952 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy · 5,279 words
First lines
Radiations had shorted his brilliant pilot's brain, left him an aimless, childish hulk. Yet Rhiannon had his moments -- when he needed them.
Echoed by the sloping, sun-drenched concrete walls, booming above the high, bony clatter of monorail cranes, shaming the entire fuming, metallic hubbub of Boat Bed 52, the sound might have been the cavernous indignation of some giant beast being dragged zoo-ward from a Bio-Institute boat. It was, however, a voice, singing:
What this Textopian page supports
Tubemonkey is listed on Textopian as a novel by Jerome Bixby, dated 1952 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Jerome Bixby
- Date: 1952 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy, Drama, Satire
- Length: 5,279 words
- Structure: 1 section, 129 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Tubemonkey by Jerome Bixby
- 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 Tubemonkey?
- How does this novel by Jerome Bixby fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Special Delivery by Kris Neville
- In The Garden by R. A. Lafferty
- Task Of Kayin by Joseph Samachson
- Beyond Lies The Wub by Philip K. Dick
- The Call From Beyond by Clifford D. Simak
- The Toy by Kris Neville
Genres
- Science Fiction — The narrative explores futuristic technology, space travel, and the implications of radiation on human cognition, central to the science fiction genre.
- Adventure — The plot involves a mission in space, conflict with rebels, and the protagonist's journey, embodying classic adventure elements.
- Fantasy — The presence of anthropomorphic characters and elements of telepathy introduce fantastical aspects, blending with the science fiction framework.
- Drama — The emotional struggles of the protagonist, particularly regarding memory loss and identity, add dramatic depth to the story.
Tags
Science Fiction · Short Story · Anthology · Space Exploration · Alien Encounter · Human Condition · Existentialism · Philosophy · Psychological Thriller · Mind-Bending · Speculative Fiction · Thought-Provoking