Corporate Dystopias

The collections first three stories—“I CAN SPEAK! TM,” “My Flamboyant Grandson,” and “Jon”—all take place in dystopian future versions of the United States. These elements are subtlest in “I CAN SPEAK! TM,” but allusions to some advanced technologies and to the overbearing power of KidLuv, Inc. evoke a sense of a corporatized, dystopian future. These elements are more prominent in “My Flamboyant Grandson.” It becomes apparent in the world of that story that corporate influence is so strong that watching advertisements is a legally mandated activity. “Jon” portrays an even more extreme dystopia, where corporations are so powerful that they can legally adopt children. Meanwhile, much of the country’s population lives in relative poverty. These dystopias all serve to illustrate the dangers of corporate power and influence.

The Town, “The Red Bow”

“The Red Bow” takes place in a small, unnamed town. The protagonist...