"The Road Not Taken" Rating: 3 Planets
by Harry Turtledove  
pub Analog, February 1985  
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Preview
An army of aliens with hyperdrive and gunpowder weapons arrive to conquer Earth and are overpowered with superior firepower.

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Background Data
Atom BulletThe title of this story is taken from the Robert Frost poem "The Road Not Taken" which is about the consequences of choice.

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Navigation Guide
Atom BulletCharacterize the Roxolani. Why do they want to conquer Earth?
Atom BulletDescribe the Roxolani society. What discrepancies in their civilization become apparent to you as Turtledove describes their approach to Earth?
Atom BulletCompare the actions and activities of the Roxolani as they prepare to invade Earth to the actions and reactions of humans as the alien ship approaches.
Atom BulletExplain how the early discovery of hyperdrive and contragravity technology actually proved to be a detriment to the Roxolani.
Atom BulletWhat does Turtledove imply will now happen?

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Further Exploration

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© 2002 Agatha Taormina
Last Revised: January 5, 2005