“A Proper Santa Claus”
That a teacher must explain to her first-grader what gives with the story titled “A Proper Santa Claus” provides a quick insight into what to expect from the stories in this collection. In your world, you likely think this is something that needs no explanation. This is not your world, however, and so the teacher offers a metaphorical explanation surprising to no one but young Jeremy:
“A proper Santa Claus is the spirit of giving and sharing, of good fellowship. Don't let anyone tell you that there isn't a Santa Claus. The proper Santa Claus belongs to all of us."
Don't be Alarmed: It's Science Fiction
Just in case you find yourself occasionally forgetting that these stories are examples of science fiction bet on being brought back into line with a metaphorical image of the type that only exists in genre fiction and would otherwise be completely baffling and befuddling elsewhere:
"Galloping gronites, you look like a rough ride on a long ellipse comet.”
The Odd Odd Simile
Planted throughout the included stories are similes constructed by the author that seem to be created expressly for the purpose of making the reader pay attention. Not so much bizarre or even recklessly unconventional, but certainly comparisons that are unexpected and sometimes have the capacity to jar one’s attention:
“As he listened to the description of the priceless sable coat, the sapphire necklace, the couture-model gown, and the jewel-strap slippers, he felt as if he were congealing in his chair as his breakfast cooled and hardened on the plate.”
Separating the Artist from the Craftsperson
More often than the occasionally oddly composed comparison are those metaphorical images that reveal the typical flights of fancy manifested by writers of science fiction. One really need not know exactly what science-fiction-y type stuff is happening here to get the point and that’s what separates the merely competent genre authors from those who excel:
“The other flitters had reached the wreck and were hovering over it, like so many angry King-Kongish bees, swooping, diving, trying to penetrate the smoke.”
Unambiguous Metaphor
One of the most memorable uses of metaphor occurs in the story titled “Dull Drums” when one character suddenly launches into an emotional outburst toward another. It may be a little difficult to detect just how the character quoted here feels about the other’s father, but a little studious attention to detail will clear any mystery up very quickly:
"Your father is a throwback to all the parental autocracies, the chauvinistic, narrowminded, sex-blocked, inhibiting, maladjusting, martyrizing, egotistical, possessiveness that our present system of social harmony is supposed to correct!"
