"Microcosmic God" Rating: 4 planets
by Theodore Sturgeon  
pub. 1941, Astounding
collected in The Science Fiction Hall of Fame, Volume I
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Preview
A biochemist creates a race of tiny creatures he calls Neoterics and bids them help him with his inventions.

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Background Data

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Navigation Guide
Atom Bullet Characterize Kidder. What kind of a scientist is he? What motivates him?
Atom Bullet Compare Kidder to Victor Frankenstein. How are they alike? How are they different? Kidder avoids Frankenstein's fate. Is he thus better than Victor or only smarter?
Atom BulletThe banker Conant personifies greediness and the quest for power. Can he be compared to a creator?
Atom Bullet Kidder trains the Neoterics by arbitrarily killing whole generations either for experimentation or to induce fear. Are his actions moral?
Atom Bullet How human are the Neoterics? What constitutes human life? When does life become sacred?
Atom Bullet Kidder takes over the creative function of God. Does his ability give him the right to control the lives and deaths of the Neoterics?
Atom Bullet This story takes place on an island. What is the significance of this setting?
Atom Bullet Explain the story's title.

Atom Bullet Explain the first sentence of the story:

"Here is a story about a man who had too much power, and a man who took too much, but don't worry; I'm not going political on you."

Atom BulletReact to the last two sentences of the story:

"Some day the Neoterics, after innumerable generations of inconceivable advancement, will take down their shield and come forth. When I think of that I feel frightened."

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Further Exploration
Atom Bullet Compare Kidder with Kress from "Sandkings" by George R. R. Martin.
Atom BulletCompare Kidder to Sledge from "With Folded Hands" by Jack Williamson.

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© 2002 Agatha Taormina
Last Revised: January 4, 2005