Discussion Questions on the Theme of Catastrophes, Holocausts etc. in Science Fiction

• How do catastrophes stories tie in with and question the supremacy of technology in SF?
• How do catastrophe stories reflect what society is worried about historically?
• Specifically, how do the stories we read reflect their historical context?
• What is the psychic bang that makes us enjoy disaster stories so much?
• What psychological needs do post-holocaust stories fulfill?
• What seems to be the main point/ focus of Wells' story, "The Star"?
• Does the story come from or point to other disaster scenerios you have read or seen?
• What is the position of science in this story?