Manners and Customs of the Thrid
The narrative follows Jorgenson, a human trader on the planet Thriddar, inhabited by the Thrid, a race that prides itself on its intelligence and infallibility. Jorgenson grapples with the absurdities of Thrid society, particularly their rigid adherence to a social system that allows for no mistakes, leading to dire consequences for those who challenge authority. The story begins with Jorgenson's frustration over the new Grand Panjandrum, Glen-U, who issues a decree demanding the Rim Stars Trading Corporation surrender all its assets. Jorgenson, driven by a mix of business acumen and moral outrage, openly defies the Grand Panjandrum, declaring him mistaken. This act of rebellion is seen as treasonous, leading to Jorgenson's capture and subsequent exile to a desolate island. On the island, Jorgenson encounters Ganti, a Thrid who has suffered under the same oppressive system. They bond over their shared plight and devise a plan to escape. Utilizing their ingenuity, they create a mock helicopter to deceive the Thrid authorities, leading to their eventual rescue. Ganti, emboldened by their escape, seizes power upon returning to civilization, becoming a new governor and exacting revenge on those who wronged him. The story culminates in Jorgenson's realization that while he has successfully navigated the absurdities of Thrid society, he remains fundamentally at odds with its values. He ultimately decides to leave Thriddar, recognizing that the planet's customs and governance are incompatible with his beliefs. The work explores themes of power, authority, and the consequences of challenging societal norms, highlighting the absurdity of a system that prioritizes infallibility over justice.
By Murray Leinster · First published 1941 · Genre: Science Fiction, Satire, Adventure · 3 chapters · 9,426 words
First lines
The Thrid were the wisest creatures in space -- they even said so themselves!
The real trouble was that Jorgenson saw things as a business man does. But also, and contradictorily, he saw them as right and just, or as wrong and intolerable. As a business man, he should have kept his mind on business and never bothered about Ganti. As a believer in right and wrong, it would have been wiser for him to have stayed off the planet Thriddar altogether. Thriddar was no place for him, anyhow you look at it. On this particular morning it was especially the wrong place for him to be trying to live and do business.
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Manners and Customs of the Thrid is listed on Textopian as a novel by Murray Leinster, dated 1941 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Murray Leinster
- Date: 1941 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Satire, Adventure, Political Fiction, Dystopian Fiction
- Length: 9,426 words
- Structure: 3 chapters, 161 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for Manners and Customs of the Thrid by Murray Leinster
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Manners and Customs of the Thrid?
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Genres
- Science Fiction — The story is set in a futuristic alien society, exploring themes of intelligence, governance, and cultural differences.
- Satire — The narrative critiques the absurdities of bureaucratic systems and blind adherence to authority, highlighting the folly of the Thrid's belief in their infallibility.
- Adventure — The protagonist's journey involves conflict, survival, and a quest for freedom, culminating in an escape plan.
- Political Fiction — The plot revolves around the political dynamics of the Thrid society and the implications of power and governance.
Tags
Science Fiction · Anthology · Short Stories · Speculative Fiction · Utopian Society · Social Commentary · Satire · Humor · Futurism · Space Exploration · Alien Cultures · Human Nature
Contents
- CHAPTER I
- CHAPTER II
- CHAPTER III