Guide For Responding “The Cold Equations”
First Thoughts
1. How did you think the story would end? Why?
It didn’t even cross my mind that Marilyn was going to die. I liked the ending, though. I really enjoy stories where I don’t see its ending coming. At first I was entertained by the whole space theme, but at the end the author definitely knew how to blow my mind.
Shaping Interpretations
2. What would you say is the source of this story’s suspense—that is, what questions keep you turning the pages? Refer to the notes you took while reading.
To know what would happen to the characters. I wanted a huge plot-twist.
3. This story contrasts life on Earth with life on the space frontier. In what important ways are these settings different? Do you find Godwin’s space frontier believable? Why or why not?
The biggest difference between Earth and space is how rules are applied. Life on Earth has rules, but are not applied as rigidly as in space.
4. What do you think is the most important passage in this story, and why?
For me it is that sometimes innocent people have to sacrifice themselves for the greater good. Marylin died so the people waiting for medical supplies could live.
5. Find the passage toward the middle of the story that explains its title. What are the “cold equations”? What other images of coldness can you find in the story?
“Cold equations” are the equations that the computer had to calculate when Barton would have to resume deceleration.
After Marilyn discovers her fate, she becomes physically cold, as the result of the cold reality she’s living.
The response from the dispatch center was cold when notified that he has a stowaway on board. They treated Marilyn as a simple problem that could be removed.
6. The title of the story seems to imply that the more technology influences our lives, the less room there is for human choice and emotions. How does the story illustrate that idea? Do you agree, or not? Why?
I do not agree at all with the huge influence technology has on people in our lives. How could a computer decide whether a person stays alive or has to die? Putting Marilyn’s life in that situation was horrible and emotionless.
Connecting with the Text
7. How believable are Marilyn’s choice to stow away and her late responses to her fate? If you were in her situation, how do you think you would react? Be sure to check your Quickwire notes.
Marilyn’s choice to stow away was believable. The only thing she wanted was to see her brother, but she was young and unaware of the consequences of it.
Extending the Text
8. “The Cold Equations” was written in 1954, at a time when technology was far less advanced than it is now. Today we are living in what, to Tom Godwin in 1954, was the future (though not as far in the future as the story is set). Do you think the technological “future” is turning out to be as cold and harsh as Godwin expected? Explain your answer with specific examples from your own experience.
Technology is crucial for us nowadays and it will definitely be for our future, but I don’t think reality would be as harsh and cold like it is in the story. However, technology will be in control of our lives then.
By Alejandra Castro, Step 11 Blue
