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86 Days After Dawn
a novella for the future

by Allyson Kohlmann '03

Abstract

The genre of science fiction is perhaps one of the most diverse and complex in writing. It encompasses both the normal aspects of writing, plot, characterization, setting, and the high tech world of science as well. Often set in the future, these literary works are able to make predictions and judgments about our current world. They read as scientific satires, pointing out the flaw in society using inflation and deflation of certain characteristics. This novella sought to follow in the tradition of these great authors and attempt to provide a means by which we can view our society and culture. As technology advances as a neck-breaking pace, our society must also race to keep up with it. Moral and ethical concerns arise as we ask ourselves, yes we can, but should we? The cloning of humans is one such topic where moral dilemmas are highly controversial. The characters in this work experience first hand some of the ramifications that cloning will have on our society. It challenges us to not only look at our society and where technology will fit into it, but to look deep into ourselves and ask the question if cloning is playing God?