Status Quo by Mack Reynolds (1963)
In a future where the United States has been transformed into a totalitarian state, a group of rebels must navigate the complexities of their own society to bring about change. The story follows a young man who becomes embroiled in the rebellion and must confront his own identity and loyalties as he navigates the treacherous landscape of the new America. Through a series of events, the protagonist comes to realize that the only way to truly challenge the status quo is to create a new one, hence the title "Status Quo". The novel explores themes of rebellion, social change, and personal identity in a world where the lines between right and wrong are constantly blurred.
By Mack Reynolds · First published 1963 · Genre: Science Fiction, Political Fiction, Satire · 32,991 words
First lines
In his income bracket and in the suburb in which he lived, government employees in the twenty-five to thirty-five age group were currently wearing tweeds. Tweeds were in. Not to wear tweeds was Non-U.
Lawrence Woolford wore tweeds. His suit, this morning, had first seen the light of day on a hand loom in Donegal. It had been cut by a Swede widely patronized by serious young career men in Lawrence Woolford's status group; English tailors were out currently and Italians unheard of.
What this Textopian page supports
Status Quo is listed on Textopian as a novel by Mack Reynolds, dated 1963 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Mack Reynolds
- Date: 1963 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Political Fiction, Satire, Dystopian, Adventure
- Length: 32,991 words
- Structure: 1 section, 925 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Status Quo by Mack Reynolds
- 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 Status Quo?
- How does this novel by Mack Reynolds fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Good Seed by Mack Reynolds
- Revolution by Mack Reynolds
- Police Your Planet by Lester Del Rey
- Summit by Mack Reynolds
- When The Sleeper Wakes by H. G. Wells
- A World By The Tale by Randall Garrett
Genres
- Science Fiction — The narrative explores futuristic concepts and speculative technologies.
- Political Fiction — The plot delves into political themes and societal structures.
- Satire — The writing employs humor and irony to critique social norms.
- Dystopian — The setting presents a society characterized by oppressive control and loss of individuality.
Tags
Science Fiction · Utopia · Dystopia · Social Commentary · Politics · Sociology · Future Studies · Speculative Fiction · Satire · Critique of Capitalism · Class Struggle · Economic Systems