” What do the aliens mean by this? In contrast, what do you think the author means?

Posted: February 25th, 2022

Robert Sheckley, “Specialist” (1953) For Sheckley’s aliens, the key human trait is a knack (rare in the universe) for “Pushing.” What do the aliens mean by this? In contrast, what do you think the author means? He gives some hint in final paragraphs of the story, when the human hero, searching his soul, has a vision of his own “tortured” face—which propels the Ship forward at eight times the speed of light. How do you interpret this conclusion? To help you think through this question, you should think about the meaning of the following terms as they are used in the story: “Unspecialized,” “Specialized,” and “the Great Cooperation”. As well, examine carefully the roles played by the aliens and how those roles contrast with the one reserved for the human protagonist. I have also attached a rubic of what my professor is looking for in the paper