Essay Questions

How does Alexander Bogdanov develop the theme of climate change in his novel, Red Star?

Alexander Bogdanov wrote the Red Star novel over 200 years ago when very few people knew much about climate change. He uses the Martians who confess that their actions to the environment prove that they are irresponsible. Even in the modern world, the conversation about climate change circles around people's inappropriate actions towards the environment such as the destruction of the forest. The novel typically focused on the pressing issues on the world and the one that comes out precisely is the impact of human activities on the climate. A Martian says, “Only seventy years ago, when our coal reserves were exhausted and the transition to hydroelectric power was still far from complete, we were forced to destroy a considerable portion of our beloved forests to give us time to redesign our machines. This disfigured the planet and worsened our climate for decades." Based on this quote, it is evident that the theme of climate change is one of the most progressive in the novel Red Star.

What does Menni mean when he says, “You are to participate in the expedition leaving tomorrow for Mars in our etheroneph”?

Menni directs this message to Leonid who is invited to travel to Planet Mars by the Martian Space Vehicle. Leonid accepts this message though it comes as a surprise because he was not anticipating traveling to space. This information, however, is intended to change his life for good because it presents an opportunity many scientists are yearning for. He is to travel to the planet Mars using the space vehicle called the etheroneph. Leonid is ready to take this opportunity to make a difference in the world.

What is the opinion of the Red Star on the socialist society?

Most of the Red Star novel presents a depiction of urbanized and affluent communalist social order on Planet Mars. According to the novel, the prime predicament Planet Mars faces is overpopulation, which is a creation of the wished-for populace growth. The Martians are cracking their heads day and night to come up with a solution to solve the main problem facing Mars. The solution has to be carefully drafted to ensure that the populations on Venus and Earth are secure.