The Fight of the Good Ship Clarissa
This novel is a dystopian tale set in a future where the world has been ravaged by war and environmental disaster. The story follows a young woman who lives on a ship that serves as a floating city, home to a community of survivors. The ship's inhabitants are struggling to maintain their way of life amidst the harsh conditions outside. Resources are scarce, and tensions rise as factions within the community vie for power and control. As the novel progresses, the protagonist becomes increasingly disillusioned with the ship's leadership and the strict rules that govern her life. She begins to question the morality of the ship's actions and the true nature of their existence. The story is a commentary on the dangers of totalitarianism and the importance of individual freedom and autonomy. It explores themes of rebellion, resistance, and the human condition in the face of adversity.
By Ray Bradbury · First published 1953 · Genre: Science Fiction, Satire, Adventure · 732 words
First lines
The space rocket Clarissa was nine days out from Venus. The members of the crew were also out for nine days. They were hunters, fearless expeditionists who bagged game in Venusian jungles. At the start of our story they are busy bagging their pants, not to forget their eyes. A sort of lull has fallen over the ship (Note: a lull is a time warp that frequently attacks rockets and seduces its members into a siesta). It was during this lull that Anthony Quelch sat sprawled at his typewriter looking as baggy as a bag of unripe grapefruit. Anthony Quelch, the Cosmic Clamor Boy, with a face like turned linoleum on the third term, busy writing a book: Fascism Is Communism with a Shave for which he would receive 367 rubles, 10 pazinkas and incarceration in a cinema showing Gone with the Wind.
What this Textopian page supports
The Fight of the Good Ship Clarissa is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ray Bradbury, dated 1953 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Ray Bradbury
- Date: 1953 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Satire, Adventure, Fantasy, Humor
- Length: 732 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for The Fight of the Good Ship Clarissa by Ray Bradbury
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Genres
- Science Fiction — The narrative is set in space and involves a crew on a rocket traveling to Venus, featuring futuristic elements and speculative technology.
- Satire — The story employs humor and exaggeration to critique human behavior and societal norms, particularly through the absurdity of the characters' actions.
- Adventure — The plot involves exploration and conflict, as the crew engages in a battle against Venusians, highlighting themes of bravery and survival.
- Fantasy — The depiction of Venus and its inhabitants includes fantastical elements that stretch beyond realistic science, creating an imaginative world.
Tags
Science Fiction · Fantasy · Adventure · Space Opera · Epic Story · Good vs Evil · Quest Narrative · Coming of Age · Self Discovery · Moral Ambiguity · Complex Characters · Philosophical Themes