The Dictator by Stephen Marlowe

"The Dictator" by Stephen Marlowe is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story explores the themes of conformity and individuality within a society that prides itself on being a perfect democracy, only to reveal the darker truths lurking beneath the surface. At its core, the book examines the implications of a character training for a long-planned assassination of a figurehead ruler. The narrative follows Ellaby, a character molded by his society to fit a "modal" norm, who embarks on a mission to assassinate the elusive Dictator. As he navigates the Capitol, he undergoes various tests of intelligence, physical ability, and emotional stability, all while grappling with the manipulation of his identity and purpose. Surrounded by individuals like Dorcas Sinclair and Sam Mulden, who have their own revolutionary agendas, Ellaby is ultimately thrust into a world where he unintentionally becomes a part of the system he sought to overthrow. The climax showcases his realization that the absence of the Dictator does not lead to the liberation he expected, but rather illustrates the self-perpetuating nature of power in a society that requires conformity, leaving readers to ponder the cyclical nature of authority and rebellion. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

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About this eBook

Author Marlowe, Stephen, 1928-2008
Title The Dictator
Series Title Produced from Imagination Stories of Science and Fantasy January 1955.
Credits Produced by Sankar Viswanathan, Greg Weeks, and the Online
Distributed Proofreading Team at www.pgdp.net
Reading Level Reading ease score: 77.2 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.
Language English
LoC Class PS: Language and Literatures: American and Canadian literature
Subject Science fiction
Subject Short stories
Subject Assassins -- Fiction
Category Text
eBook-No. 32134
Release Date
Copyright Public domain in the USA.
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