Originally published in Astounding,
June 1948
Collected
in The Science Fiction Hall of Fame, Vol. I
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| Preview |
| After the wife of a
man who had been exposed to radiation during the development of the atomic
bomb gives birth while her husband is on active duty, she sends glowing
reports to him about their infant daughter. |
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| Background |
- This
story was Merril's first published science fiction story.
- Note
the mention of a facsimile machine on which Margaret receives news.
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| Navigation Guide |
| What
is the situation of the world at the time the story takes place? |
| Characterize
Margaret before the birth. |
| Characterize
Margaret after the birth. Is she insane? |
| Characterize
Hank's reaction to is daughter. |
| Of
what significance is the fact that the baby is precocious? |
| Does
Merril play fair with the reader? |
| Explain
the significance of the story's title. |
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