Dawn
ENGL 3850-02N
Sci-Fi Lit
Dr. Coats
1 April, 1997
Crucifixius Etiam
Crucufixius Etiam, by Walter Miller Jr., is very different from the stories we have read for this class. It is much more realistic, more painful, and above all much more moving than any of the stories read for this class. It is one of those stories that just got worse than better, with no happy ending. Things just went downhill to the end for Manue Nanti.
The scene that not only stood out for me, but was also so, so, heart wrenching is where Manue couldn't work because his tubes hurt and the foreman, Vogeli, had to pull the tubes out slightly for him. Then, Vogeli had to wiggle the tubes in and out so that the skin would settle. I could see, in that one scene, that Manue was doomed. I could feel Manue's pain as Vogeli, somewhat cruelly, adjusted the tubes so Manue could work again as soon as possible. Heck, even the part just before that, where Manue collapses and Vogeli is mean to him and keeps prodding him to get up and work, is disturbing and shows the futility of this Mars situation.
The way that Mars was portrayed in this novel was disturbing as well. It was a new, frightening, visit-but-wouldn't-want-to-live-there type place. No one seemed to understand it or want to understand it. It wasn't full of hostile Martians or peaceful Martians. It had no Martians at all, except for the people working there. It was this red, mysterious ghost of a planet that was slowing being conquered or not conquered (depends on point of view) by the race from Earth. I say ghost of a planet because it was like a haunted house in a way. No one knew much or cared to know much at all about Mars and every time some progress was made it seemed to disappear as soon as it began. It was as if some force was keeping them from being successful and they just plowed on, determined to make it Earth II.
A very disturbing, but eye opening story. Those who like happy endings may not take to this story. It is one that you read one time, then don't pick up again for a long time because you are just afraid and don't want to think about a disturbing, depressing view of Mars like this. I recommend it because it makes one realize the good things in life and it grounds and humbles one as well.