Heel by Philip José Farmer

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About this eBook

Author Farmer, Philip José, 1918-2009
Illustrator Finlay, Virgil, 1914-1971
Title Heel
Note Reading ease score: 84.5 (6th grade). Easy to read.
Credits Produced by Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online
Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Summary "Heel" by Philip José Farmer is a science fiction novella written in the early 1960s. The story presents a unique reimagining of the Iliad, blending mythological elements with a futuristic narrative about gods, directors, and a production crew. It explores themes of power dynamics, love, and the manipulation of fate, revolving around the characters from the Trojan War with a modern twist. In "Heel," the narrative unfolds aboard a spaceship where a director, likened to Zeus, orchestrates the great events of the ancient war for the entertainment of a cosmic audience. Achilles and other mythic figures are caught in the machinations of these beings who manipulate their fates for dramatic effect. Thetis, Achilles’ mother, tries to protect her son from the director's plans while her love for him complicates matters. As the story progresses, alliances shift, and the manipulation culminates in tragedy as Achilles faces his fate—betrayed by those who wield ultimate control over the script of their lives. The novella ultimately serves as a satire of storytelling itself, questioning the nature of heroism and the sacrifices made for glory. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class PS: Language and Literatures: American and Canadian literature
Subject Science fiction
Subject Short stories
Subject Human-alien encounters -- Fiction
Subject Trojan War -- Fiction
Subject Motion pictures -- Production and direction -- Fiction
Category Text
EBook-No. 60871
Release Date
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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