334 (Magill’s Guide to Science Fiction and Fantasy Literature)
At a glance:
- Author: Thomas M. Disch
- First Published: 1972
- Type of Work: Stories
- Type of Plot: Science fiction—dystopia
- Time of Work: 2021-2026
- Setting: New York City
- Genres: Short fiction, Science fiction, Dystopian fiction
- Subjects: New York, North America or North Americans, Northeast, U.S., United States or Americans, Folkloric or magical people, New York City, Future, Twenty-first century, Apartment houses, Zombies or living dead
- Locales: New York, NY
The Plot
In the six linked stories of 334, the welfare state MODICUM rules a bureaucratic, technocratic utopia. Nobody lacks food, shelter, or education, and there are numerous technological advances. To maintain these positive aspects, however, MODICUM ignores the personal needs of individuals and is an urban hell for most of the population, powerless people seeking fulfillment, happiness, and freedom.
In the first story, “The Death of Socrates,” young Birdie Ludd can marry his beloved Milly if he raises his Regents (Revised Genetics Testing Act) score to the...
[The entire page is 1032 words long]
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