What Shall it Profit?
The story takes place on a planet where the inhabitants are descended from humans who were transported there centuries ago. The society has evolved into a complex hierarchy with different castes and classes. A young man, a member of the lower class, discovers that he has a unique genetic trait that makes him immune to a deadly disease that is sweeping through the population. He becomes embroiled in a struggle for power as various factions vie for control of the planet's resources. The protagonist must navigate this treacherous landscape and confront the moral implications of his newfound status. Along the way, he uncovers secrets about the planet's history and the true nature of its inhabitants.
By Poul Anderson · First published 1975 · Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Philosophical Fiction · 8,019 words
First lines
"The chickens got out of the coop and flew away three hundred years ago," said Barwell. "Now they're coming home to roost."
He hiccuped. His finger wobbled to the dial and clicked off another whisky. The machine pondered the matter and flashed an apologetic sign: Please deposit your money.
What this Textopian page supports
What Shall it Profit? is listed on Textopian as a novel by Poul Anderson, dated 1975 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Poul Anderson
- Date: 1975 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Philosophical Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Political Fiction
- Length: 8,019 words
- Structure: 1 section, 181 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for What Shall it Profit? by Poul Anderson
- 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 What Shall it Profit??
- How does this novel by Poul Anderson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- Morale by Murray Leinster
- The Man Who Staked The Stars by Katherine Maclean
- Scanners Live In Vain by Cordwainer Smith
- To Each His Own by Jack Sharkey
- The Variable Man by Philip K. Dick
Genres
- Science Fiction — The narrative explores advanced technology, particularly in the context of longevity and the implications of scientific progress on society.
- Dystopian — The story presents a future society grappling with the consequences of technological advancements and the moral dilemmas surrounding immortality.
- Philosophical Fiction — The themes delve into existential questions about life, death, and the ethical implications of scientific discovery.
- Speculative Fiction — The work speculates on the future of humanity in relation to scientific advancements and societal changes.
Tags
Science Fiction · Space Opera · Philosophical Fiction · Moral Dilemma · Humanism · Existentialism · Psychological Thriller · Alien Invasion · First Contact · Interstellar Travel · Advanced Technology · Social Commentary