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Gone Fishing

Written by James H. Schmitz

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Science Fiction

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About this book

"Gone Fishing" by James H. Schmitz is a science fiction short story published in the early 1960s. The narrative centers on themes of intelligence, ethics, and the consequences of scientific discoveries, particularly focusing on a device known as the McAllen Tube, which allows for instantaneous travel across vast distances. The story examines the moral implications of wielding such power through the interactions between two primary characters, Barney Chard, a financier and occasional con man, and Dr. Oliver B. McAllen, an aging physicist with a hidden agenda. The plot unfolds as Barney Chard seeks to exploit Dr. McAllen’s groundbreaking invention, unaware of the ethical complexities and dangers surrounding it. Set against the tranquil backdrop of a fishing trip, the narrative reveals McAllen's struggles with the Tube's unintended consequences as he grapples with both his own fears and Chard’s motivations. As Barney tries to manipulate the situation for financial gain, he unwittingly becomes embroiled in a larger scheme, leading to a shocking twist where he finds himself trapped in a reality crafted by the symbiosis of science and moral ambiguity. Ultimately, the story explores the transformation of Chard as he navigates his captivity and the psychological experiments conducted on him, culminating in a conclusion that leaves his fate intertwined with the consequences of McAllen’s invention and the philosophies governing their uses.

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Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Gone Fishing, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 1 hours
  • intermediate
  • mysterious
  • philosophical
  • suspenseful

James H. Schmitz's "Gone Fishing" is a classic science fiction short story from the early 1960s that delves into the profound ethical implications of groundbreaking scientific discovery. The narrative follows Barney Chard, a cunning financier, as he attempts to exploit Dr. Oliver B. McAllen's revolutionary McAllen Tube, a device enabling instantaneous interstellar travel. Unbeknownst to Chard, McAllen harbors a hidden agenda, grappling with the Tube's unforeseen consequences and the moral complexities of its power. The story culminates in a shocking twist where Chard finds himself a captive in a reality meticulously designed by McAllen, forcing him to confront the symbiosis of science and moral ambiguity. Ultimately, "Gone Fishing" explores Chard's psychological transformation under duress, reflecting on intelligence, ethics, and the ultimate price of unchecked ambition and scientific hubris.

“"The greatest power often comes with the most terrible responsibility."”

Key themes

Ethics of Scientific Discovery
The core theme revolves around the moral responsibilities that accompany groundbreaking scientific inventions. The McAllen Tube, while a marvel, brings with it unforeseen ethical complexities, forcing its inventor, McAllen, to take drastic measures to control its misuse. The story explores the tension between scientific progress and the potential for abuse, questioning where the line should be drawn in regulating or controlling powerful technologies.
The Nature of Reality and Perception
This theme is profoundly explored through the shocking twist where Barney Chard finds himself trapped in a 'crafted reality.' The story delves into the idea that reality can be manipulated, constructed, and controlled, leading to questions about the authenticity of experience, free will, and the very definition of existence. It challenges the reader to consider what constitutes 'real' when perception itself can be engineered.
Power and Corruption
The story examines how power, whether technological or financial, can corrupt individuals and lead to morally questionable actions. Barney Chard's desire to exploit the McAllen Tube for financial gain exemplifies the corrupting influence of ambition. Conversely, McAllen's use of the Tube's capabilities to control Chard, while perhaps for a 'greater good,' also represents a form of power that can easily become corrupting, blurring the lines between justice and authoritarianism.

Worth discussing

To what extent is Dr. McAllen's creation of a 'crafted reality' for Barney Chard ethically justifiable?

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