Hunt the Hog of Joe

Name: Hunt the Hog of Joe
Author: Robert Ernest Gilbert

The narrative unfolds on Planet Maggie, where a hunter named Ube Kinlock is sent by the Galactic Government to eliminate a dangerous creature known as the Hog, which has been terrorizing the local population. Kinlock arrives on the planet and encounters a series of bizarre laws and customs that complicate his mission. The inhabitants, who are genetically engineered to resemble each other, adhere strictly to ordinances that govern their interactions with aliens and each other. Upon arrival, Kinlock meets Dominant Olaf Ypsilanti, the pilot of the shuttle, who is hostile and dismissive of Kinlock's mission. Ypsilanti insists that no alien can hunt on Maggie, leading to a tense standoff. Kinlock's descent to the planet is fraught with anxiety, as he grapples with the unfamiliar environment and the oppressive laws of the Maggiese people. Once on the surface, Kinlock encounters Betty Toal, a local who defies the ordinances by assisting him. Their interactions reveal the absurdity of the laws governing gender and alien relations on Maggie. As they navigate the town of Joetropolis, Kinlock learns about the Hog's destructive history and the fear it instills in the populace. Kinlock's attempts to hunt the Hog are thwarted by the local customs and the incompetence of the authorities. He faces imprisonment for breaking ordinances, but ultimately, he is allowed to pursue the Hog under the condition that he adheres to the bizarre rules of the planet. The narrative explores themes of conformity, the absurdity of laws, and the struggle for survival in a hostile environment. As Kinlock and Toal venture into the wilderness, they confront the Hog, which proves to be a formidable adversary. The creature's intelligence and ability to communicate complicate Kinlock's mission, leading him to question the morality of killing it. The climax of the story revolves around a confrontation with the Hog, where Kinlock must decide between following orders and recognizing the creature's sentience. In the end, Kinlock's actions lead to unintended consequences, including the injury of Rasmussen, a local hunter who had secretly built a weapon to kill the Hog. The story concludes with Kinlock reflecting on his experiences and the absurdity of the laws that govern Maggie, as he prepares to leave the planet, contemplating the complexities of life, morality, and the nature of intelligence.

By Robert Ernest Gilbert · First published 1970 · Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery · 15 chapters · 18,877 words

First lines

_The hog was deadly dangerous and virtually invulnerable -- but Planet Maggie's weird laws were what made the hunt really tough! _

Exceptional noses with aquiline bridges and upswept tips marked the six adult couples who drifted past me through the valve into the astraplane, Ap-GG-12C. They were large, tanned, blue-eyed, brown-haired people; and they wore white coveralls stamped, in strange letters, "Recessive -- Alien Status. " The varied children with them were designated simply, "Alien."

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Hunt the Hog of Joe is listed on Textopian as a novel by Robert Ernest Gilbert, dated 1970 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Robert Ernest Gilbert
Date: 1970 CE
Language: English
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery, Fiction, Humor
Length: 18,877 words
Structure: 15 chapters, 516 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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How does this novel by Robert Ernest Gilbert fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles

Genres

Adventure — The title suggests a quest or pursuit, indicating a narrative centered around exploration and challenges.
Fantasy — The inclusion of a 'Hog' implies elements of the fantastical, possibly involving mythical creatures or magical themes.
Mystery — The word 'Hunt' indicates a search for something elusive, suggesting a plot that involves uncovering secrets or solving puzzles.
Fiction — As a narrative work, it falls under the broad category of fiction, encompassing various themes and styles.