# XII explained — Short Science Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Science Fiction by Isaac Asimov.

## What happens

At twilight, the Industrialist and the Astronomer discuss the aliens' ship and the children's actions. The Industrialist admits he was wrong about the creatures, now seeing them as admirable for not harming the children, and expresses pride in the boys' daring.

## Themes in this chapter

### Alien Contact and Misunderstanding

The Industrialist revises his earlier suspicion, now seeing the aliens as admirable for their restraint toward the children.

### Youth vs. Experience and Societal Decline

The Astronomer's exclamation 'Youth!' highlights the contrast between the adults' initial fear and the children's bold, clever actions.

## Character check-ins

### The Industrialist

Reflects on his changed view of the aliens and expresses pride in the children's audacity.

### The Astronomer

Confirms the ship will fly and comments on the spirit of youth.

## Key lines

> Creatures that would refuse to harm children, under such provocation as they received, are admirable.

The aliens are worthy of respect because they did not hurt the children even when provoked.

_The Industrialist's change of heart about the aliens._

> The amazing gall of it. Red told me it was his idea to get a job in a circus on the strength of them. Imagine!

The Industrialist marvels at the children's audacity, especially Red's plan to use the aliens to join a circus.

_The Industrialist's admiration for the boys' scheme._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_science_fiction_se/chapters/xii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_science_fiction_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_science_fiction_se/chapters