"That Only a Mother" Rating: 3 Planets
by Judith Merril Motifs
Astounding, June 1948 Genetics
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 Data
Atom BulletThis story was Merril's first published science fiction story.

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Navigation Guide
Atom BulletWhat is the situation of the world at the time the story takes place?
Atom BulletCharacterize Margaret before the birth.
Atom BulletCharacterize Margaret after the birth. Is she insane?
Atom BulletCharacterize Hank's reaction to is daughter.
Atom BulletOf what significance is the fact that the baby is precocious?

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Further Exploration
Atom BulletDoes Merril play fair with the reader?
Atom BulletNote the mention of a facsimile machine on which Margaret receives news.
Atom BulletExplain the significance of the story's title.

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© 2002 Agatha Taormina
Last Revised: April 18, 2004