Belly Laugh by Randall Garrett

Name: Belly Laugh
Author: Randall Garrett

In a war-torn future, a soldier reflects on the absurdity of modern warfare, where traditional weapons are replaced by bizarre and psychologically manipulative devices. The narrative centers on Ivar Jorgensen, who has developed a weapon that exploits human emotions and vulnerabilities, particularly humor. The protagonist recounts a harrowing experience during a skirmish in the Holland Tunnel, where soldiers face an unconventional threat that causes them to drop dead without visible wounds. Amidst the chaos, he shares a story about a fellow soldier, Stillwell, who becomes infatuated with a Russian woman during a tense moment in a pit. The soldier's humor serves as a coping mechanism in the face of despair. As the story unfolds, Stillwell's encounter with the woman takes a surreal turn when it is revealed that she is a robot, leading to a comedic yet tragic realization that shatters his romantic fantasies. The protagonist's laughter at the absurdity of the situation contrasts with Stillwell's breakdown, highlighting the psychological toll of war and the thin line between reality and illusion. The narrative explores themes of isolation, the absurdity of conflict, and the necessity of humor as a survival tool. The protagonist's final act of carrying a forgotten brassiere symbolizes the remnants of humanity amidst the dehumanizing effects of war. The story ultimately underscores the importance of maintaining a sense of humor in dire circumstances, suggesting that laughter can be a powerful weapon against despair.

By Randall Garrett · First published 1967 · Genre: Science Fiction, Humor, War Fiction · 1,266 words

First lines

_You hear a lot of talk these days about secret weapons. If it's not a new wrinkle in nuclear fission, it's a gun to shoot around corners and down winding staircases. Or maybe a nice new strain of bacteria guaranteed to give you radio-active dandruff. Our own suggestion is to pipe a few of our television commercials into Russia and bore the enemy to death._ _Well, it seems that Ivar Jorgensen has hit on the ultimate engine of destruction: a weapon designed to exploit man's greatest weakness. The blueprint can be found in the next few pages; and as the soldier in the story says, our only hope is to keep a sense of humor! _

What this Textopian page supports

Belly Laugh is listed on Textopian as a short story by Randall Garrett, dated 1967 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Randall Garrett
Date: 1967 CE
Language: English
Genres: Science Fiction, Humor, War Fiction, Satire, Adventure
Length: 1,266 words
Structure: 1 section, 22 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Science Fiction — The story involves futuristic concepts such as advanced weaponry and robots, typical of the science fiction genre.
Humor — The narrative employs humor and satire, particularly in the context of war and human behavior.
War Fiction — The plot centers around a war scenario, exploring the experiences of soldiers in combat.
Satire — The story critiques societal issues and the absurdity of war through exaggerated situations and characters.