Orphans of the Sky
by 
Robert Heinlein

Publishing History | Study Guide Questions | Plot | Campbell Chart | Characters | Themes


 


Publishing History

  • "Universe first published, Astounding May, 1941
  • "Common Sense" publlished Astounding, October 1941
  • Fix-up Orphans of the Sky published in UK by Gollancz 1963
  • US Edition, Putnam, 1964

Study Guide Questions

  • What is the shape of the space ship?
  • How do the implied values of OS forcast Heinlein's political views as a "right-wing anarchist, or 'libertarian,' much influenced by social Darwinism"?

Plot



Campbell Chart
 

Characters

  • Male characters
  • Female characters

  • Hugh Hoyland 
  • Alan Mahoney
  • Mort Tyler
  • Nelson
  • Joe-Jim Gregory
  • Bobo
  • Bill Ertz
  • Phineas Narby

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Themes 

  • a bilities needed to survive and conquer
    • competence
  • evils of slavery and dictatorship
  • individual freedom and social responsibility
  • sexual freedom