DP

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Savage, Arthur Dekker

Contributor:

Orban, Paul, 1896-1974

Series:

Produced from If Worlds of Science Fiction September 1954.

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"DP" by Arthur Dekker Savage is a science fiction narrative likely written in the mid-20th century. The story explores themes of societal conformity and existential ennui within a futuristic world where government ensures maximum comfort for its citizens, but at the cost of meaningful existence. The central focus of the book is the protagonist's disillusionment with a life devoid of purpose, prompting his desire for a "Departure Permit," symbolizing a quest for escape from a stagnant society. The plot centers around Allen Kinderwood, a young man trapped in a monotonous, pleasure-driven world. As he contemplates his upcoming appointment for a Departure Permit, he encounters Nedda Marsh, a woman under "protection," which complicates his desire for connection amid societal rules surrounding dating and relationships. Amidst their flirtation and a violent encounter with Nedda's protector, Allen grapples with the implications of his choices and the oppressive nature of their environment. The climax reveals a poignant tension between the comforts provided by the government and the pervasive feeling of emptiness that plagues its citizens, culminating in a decision that questions the value of his existence in such a controlled and superfluous society. Ultimately, Allen's struggle reflects a broader commentary on human purpose and the search for meaning in a world engineered for ease yet barren of genuine fulfillment. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Credits:

Produced by Greg Weeks, Stephen Blundell and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net

Notes:

Reading ease score: 74.7 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.

Release date is 2009-10-21