Project Gutenberg
2019-10-21
Public domain in the USA.
100
Fang, Irving E.
1929
2016
Orban, Paul
1896
1974
The Used People Lot
Produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, August 1958
Produced by Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online
Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
"The Used People Lot" by Irving E. Fang is a science fiction short story published in the late 1950s. The narrative takes place in a futuristic society where cars are highly valued, and people are classified as either "used" or "new" based on their vehicle contracts. The story humorously explores themes of societal status and personal relationships through the protagonist's misadventures after a car accident leaves him in a precarious position both financially and romantically. The plot revolves around Arnold, who finds himself in a bind after his prized vehicle, a Thunderflash, breaks down, resulting in mounting repair bills and a frustrated girlfriend named Jenny. Desperate to acquire a new car from the exclusive "used people lot" run by Grinning Gregory, Arnold concocts a scheme to transfer his lengthy car contract to his friend Harry. However, in a twist of fate, Arnold's plans fall apart when Harry, having taken advantage of his friend's situation, seizes Jenny and drives off in a beautiful new car before Arnold can even make his case. The story cleverly critiques materialism and the often humorous, intertwined fates of people and their possessions. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Reading ease score: 83.9 (6th grade). Easy to read.
en
Science fiction
Short stories
Automobiles -- Fiction
PS
Text
Category: Short Stories
Category: Science-Fiction & Fantasy
Category: Humour
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