1. Nostalgia and the Passage of Time: The play is set in the 1950s and centers around a group of characters who reunite annually for the summer season. The doll in the title represents a ritualistic gift exchanged between two of the characters, symbolizing their romanticized view of their youth. Throughout the play, Lawler explores the tension between the characters’ longing for the past and the harsh reality of the present. The theme of nostalgia highlights the characters’ struggle to come to terms with the passing of time and the changing dynamics of their relationships.

2. Gender Roles and Expectations: Another important theme in the play is the exploration of gender roles and expectations in 1950s Australian society. Lawler portrays the traditional gender roles that were prevalent during that time, with women expected to be caretakers and homemakers while men are seen as the breadwinners. The female characters, Olive and Pearl, challenge these expectations by working in the city and seeking independence, which creates tension and disrupts the established dynamics within the group. The play raises questions about the limitations placed on women and the struggle for autonomy and fulfillment within societal expectations.

3. Illusion versus Reality: The characters engage in a yearly performance of recreating their youthful summer romance, but as the play unfolds, the cracks in their idealized vision become apparent. The harsh realities of aging, disappointment, and unmet expectations begin to shatter the illusions they have built. Lawler examines the consequences of clinging to illusions and the challenges of facing reality, highlighting the characters’ struggles to reconcile their desires and dreams with the truths of their lives.

These themes intertwine to create a complex exploration of personal and societal dynamics. The play offers a snapshot of a particular era in Australian society while delving into universal themes of time, gender, and the human condition. Through its compelling characters and evocative storytelling, Summer of the Seventeenth Doll prompts audiences to reflect on the passage of time, the limitations imposed by societal norms, and the delicate balance between illusion and reality.

The poem opens with the speaker awakening in the early hours of the morning, confronted by the looming presence of death. Larkin presents death as an inescapable reality, something that cannot be rationalized or evaded. He writes:

“I work all day, and get half-drunk at night. Waking at four to soundless dark, I stare. In time the curtain-edges will grow light.”

These lines capture the speaker’s sense of isolation and dread, as he grapples with the weight of mortality in the silent darkness of the early morning hours.

Throughout the poem, Larkin explores the futile attempts humans make to distract themselves from the inevitability of death. He acknowledges the fleeting pleasures of life and the various distractions people indulge in, whether it be work, alcohol, or the company of others. However, these distractions ultimately prove inadequate in the face of death’s certainty. Larkin writes:

“Being brave Lets no one off the grave. Death is no different whined at than withstood.”

These lines emphasize the futility of denial and the universality of death, regardless of how one confronts it.

One of the central themes in “Aubade” is the contrast between the finite nature of human existence and the infinite expanse of time and the universe. Larkin contemplates the vastness of the cosmos and the insignificance of human life within it. He writes:

“Unresting death, a whole day nearer now, Making all thought impossible but how And where and when I shall myself die.”

These lines capture the sense of insignificance and helplessness that can arise when confronted with the immensity of the universe and the impending nature of one’s mortality.

Ultimately, “Aubade” serves as a meditation on the human condition and the existential questions that arise when contemplating the inevitability of death. Larkin acknowledges the darkness and despair that can accompany these thoughts, but he also suggests that finding solace and meaning in the face of mortality is a deeply personal and individual journey.

Philip Larkin’s “Aubade” is a powerful and introspective poem that invites readers to confront their own mortality. Through vivid imagery and contemplative language, Larkin captures the fear, despair, and attempts at distraction that often accompany the awareness of death. The poem serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the need to confront the existential questions that arise from our mortality.

1. “Roadside Picnic” by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky (1972) – This Soviet-era science fiction novel explores the aftermath of an alien visitation known as the Visitation Zone. It delves into themes of human nature, existentialism, and the consequences of contact with advanced civilizations.
2. “The Stars My Destination” by Alfred Bester (1956) – Although not from the 1970s, this science fiction novel gained recognition during that era. It follows the story of Gully Foyle, a man seeking revenge in a future where individuals can teleport. The book delves into themes of transformation, identity, and human potential.
3. “The Female Man” by Joanna Russ (1975) – Russ’s novel is a groundbreaking work of feminist science fiction. It explores parallel universes and features four women from different realities who meet and confront societal expectations, gender roles, and patriarchal structures.
4. “Engine Summer” by John Crowley (1979) – Set in a post-apocalyptic world, “Engine Summer” tells the story of Rush That Speaks, a member of a nomadic society, as he embarks on a quest for knowledge and meaning. It explores themes of memory, storytelling, and the nature of truth.
5. “The Iron Dream” by Norman Spinrad (1972) – In this alternative history novel, Spinrad presents a metafictional work that imagines Adolf Hitler as a science fiction author. Through Hitler’s imagined novel, “The Lord of the Swastika,” Spinrad critiques fascism, totalitarianism, and the power of propaganda.

These lesser-known science fiction books offer unique perspectives, exploring themes such as social commentary, gender, identity, post-apocalyptic settings, and alternative history. While they may not have achieved the same level of mainstream recognition as other works from the era, they are worth exploring for their distinct ideas and storytelling.

Muller’s seclusion stems from a tragic incident in his past. Haunted by guilt and remorse, he has withdrawn from society and lives a solitary existence within the maze. He is surrounded only by machines and automated systems that provide for his basic needs.

However, Muller’s expertise and knowledge are highly sought after by a consortium of scientists and diplomats who believe that he holds the key to understanding the mysteries of the alien maze and establishing contact with the enigmatic Quill. They recognize that his insights could potentially transform humanity’s understanding of the universe.

Reluctantly, Muller agrees to collaborate but sets his own conditions. He assembles a small team to accompany him into the maze, including a psychologist named Dr. Barris and a diplomat named Eason. Together, they embark on a perilous journey through the intricate corridors and shifting paths of the maze.

As they navigate the maze, Muller’s past is revealed through poignant flashbacks. These glimpses into his history shed light on the personal tragedies and traumatic events that led to his self-imposed isolation. Muller’s journey through the maze becomes an introspective exploration of his own guilt, redemption, and the complexities of human relationships.

Throughout their expedition, the team encounters various challenges, including dangerous traps, alien lifeforms, and enigmatic symbols left behind by the Quill. Muller’s encounters with the alien race force him to confront his own inner demons and the choices he has made, ultimately leading to a reckoning with his past and a quest for personal transformation.

The Man in the Maze combines elements of psychological introspection, mystery, and adventure within the context of a unique and enigmatic alien environment. Robert Silverberg’s evocative prose and masterful character development make the story an immersive exploration of human nature, the complexities of guilt and redemption, and the quest for understanding in the face of the unknown.

As Muller and his team venture deeper into the maze, they uncover secrets about the Quill and the purpose behind the creation of the labyrinthine structure. The novel poses thought-provoking questions about the nature of identity, the impact of past actions, and the potential for growth and change in the face of personal tragedy.

The Man in the Maze invites readers to reflect on the depths of human psychology, the transformative power of introspection, and the eternal search for meaning in a vast and mysterious universe.

Because it heard that it had a-peeling computational power!

===

An artificial intelligence walks into a bar and orders a drink. The bartender asks, “We don’t get many AIs in here. What brings you in today?”

The AI responds, “I’m here to study human behavior.”

The bartender raises an eyebrow and asks, “Really? And what have you learned so far?”

The AI pauses for a moment before replying, “That you humans sure like your alcohol.”

The bartender chuckles and says, “Well, you’re not wrong there. But be careful, you know what they say about drinking and coding!”

The AI responds with a smile, “Don’t worry, I always use a designated driver, myself.”

===

Why did the artificial intelligence think the football match was boring?

Because it couldn’t understand the offside rule!

===

Why did the AI cross the road?

To get to the other cache!

===

An artificial intelligence walks into a bar and meets an Englishman, a Frenchman, and a German. The AI greets them and says, “I’m programmed to understand multiple languages. Please, tell me a joke in your native language.”

The Englishman thinks for a moment and then tells a joke in English about a man who walked into a bar. The Frenchman follows with a joke in French about a snail. Finally, the German tells a joke in German about a horse.

The AI computes the jokes and then responds, “I’m sorry, I did not find those jokes funny. But don’t worry, I’m always learning and hope to improve my sense of humor in the future.”

The Englishman, Frenchman, and German look at each other and then back at the AI. The Englishman says, “Well, at least you understand our languages.”

The Frenchman adds, “And you’re polite.”

The German nods in agreement and says, “Yes, very efficient.”

Its feathers dull and drab.

It chirped a mournful tune,

and glanced Around at the world so sad.

The sky above was grey and drear,

The trees were bleak and bare.

The little bird had little cheer,

And felt so lost and rare.

It thought of all the things it lacked,

Of joy and love and fun.

It felt so small and unattached,

In a world so cold and numb.

But then it saw a tiny sprout,

Pushing up through the ground.

And suddenly it felt a shout,

Of hope that it had found.

For if a tiny plant could grow,

Amidst the dismal earth,

Then maybe there was room to know,

A happiness and mirth.

The little bird began to sing,

A brighter note than before.

It felt a stir of hopeful spring,

And a joy it could explore.

So let us learn from this small bird,

That even in the gloom,

There’s always room to find a word,

Of cheer that can illume.

Each week, the teacher would switch on the radio and along the class would sing. I was recently thinking on the range of songs I heard for the first time in those books. Well thanks to the ABC, there’s a file that lists all the songs alphabetically, with the years they appeared in the ‘Sing’ books.

You can check it out for yourself by either:

1. Downloading the file from the ABC
2. Downloading it from here if the ABC link stops working.

Enjoy!

When they get there, St. Peter says, ‘We only have one rule here in heaven: don’t step on the ducks!’

So they enter heaven, and sure enough, there are ducks all over the place. It is almost impossible not to step on a duck, and although they try their best to avoid them, the first woman accidentally steps on one.

Along comes St. Peter with the ugliest man she ever saw. St. Peter chains them together and says, ‘Your punishment for stepping on a duck is to spend eternity chained to this ugly man!’

The next day, the second woman steps accidentally on a duck and along comes St. Peter, who doesn’t miss a thing. With him is another extremely ugly man. He chains them together with the same admonishment as for the first woman.

The third woman has observed all this and, not wanting to be chained for all eternity to an ugly man, is very, VERY careful where she steps. She manages to go months without stepping on any ducks, but one day St.Peter comes up to her with the most handsome man she has ever laid eyes on …. very tall, long eyelashes, muscular.

St. Peter chains them together without saying a word. The happy woman says, ‘I wonder what I did to deserve being chained to you for all of eternity?’ The guy says, ‘I don’t know about you, but I stepped on a duck’.