Fiction DNA
Share

The Cold Equations

Tom Godwin · 1954 · Short Story

Explore this on the mapTrace its ancestors and descendants live in the tree.
Premise ⓘ
Space Travel & Exploration

It defined 'hard science fiction' by presenting a morally stark dilemma where the unyielding laws of physics dictate a tragic outcome, emphasizing scientific realism.

What it is

A pilot on an emergency mission discovers a stowaway, whose presence means the ship no longer has enough fuel to reach its destination. It starkly illustrates the unforgiving, objective laws of physics in space travel.

Craft in this work

Theme ⓘ
Man versus nature
Plot device ⓘ
The ticking clock

↑Inherited from(2)

From the Earth to the Moon· 1865↑ open

Verne's work emphasized the scientific and engineering realities of space travel, setting a precedent for hard sci-fi.

Destination Moon· 1950↑ open

This film further popularized the 'hard sci-fi' approach, focusing on the unforgiving nature of space physics and its challenges.

↓Passed on to(2)

Pitch Black· 2000↓ open

Godwin's story emphasized the unforgiving nature of space environments and the harsh realities of survival.

Battlestar Galactica· 2004↓ open

Godwin's story emphasized the harsh realities of survival in space, influencing the desperate struggle of the survivors.

✎Discussion

Leave a note on The Cold Equations, or ask something and see what others make of it.

Loading…

Share