- Death and the Senator
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"Death and the Senator" Author Arthur C. Clarke Country United Kingdom Language English Genre(s) Science fiction Published in Analog Science Fiction and Fact Publication date May, 1961 "Death and the Senator" is a science fiction short story by Arthur C. Clarke. It was originally published in 1960[1] and has since been included in several collections of Clarke's writings.
Contents
Plot summary
Set in an unspecified year, but a few years before 1976, the story tells of Martin Steelman, an American Senator and potential Presidential candidate. As a member of a Senate committee, he has used his influence and rhetoric to refuse funding for an astrobiology project.
Some years later, he learns that he has a potentially fatal cardiac condition. Thereupon, he hears from one of the space scientists, whose project he helped to kill, that the USSR is experimenting with medical treatment under zero gravity conditions in a space station in Earth orbit. Although Steelman is offered a place on the treatment programme, which is highly experimental, he gives it up on seeing a young couple also waiting to be treated.
Back in Washington, D.C., he spends a few last quiet months with his family members, for which he had always been too busy with politics, and finds happines in the role of a loving grandfather. While sitting on a bench and contemplating his fate, death comes quietly to him.
The title "Death and the Senator", like the more well known "Death and the Maiden" and various other "Death and the..." titles is ultimately derived from the Medieval "Dance of Death". In this context, Medieval depictions of "Death and the Emperor" or "Death and the Pope" were meant to make people reflect on the fact that however powerful and highly placed, all are mortal and all must reflect on what they do with their life. Obviously, Clark intended much the same message in a modern context.
Popular culture
"Death & The Senator" is also the name of a hip hop band from Amherst, Massachusetts.[2]
References
- Clarke, Arthur C. The Best of Arthur C Clarke; 1956 - 1972. Published 1973
- ^ Short Stories. Arthurcclarke.net, 2007-2011, retrieved June 22, 2011
- ^ Death & The Senator Official Page
See also
Categories:- 1961 short stories
- Short stories by Arthur C. Clarke
- Works originally published in Analog Science Fiction and Fact
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