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The untouchable adolescents

Written by Harlan Ellison

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Science FictionShort storiesHuman-alien encountersLife on other planetsTelepathy

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About this book

"The Untouchable Adolescents" by Ellis Hart is a science fiction short story written in the mid-20th century. The narrative is set on the alien planet Diamore, which faces imminent destruction due to volcanic eruptions. The story explores themes of communication, misunderstanding, and the challenges of providing help to a society that is not only young in age but also in experience and wisdom. In the story, Captain Luther Shreve and his Psych Officer Karl Teller arrive on Diamore to offer assistance after discovering the planet's devastating future. However, their attempts to communicate with the telepathic inhabitants, the Diamoraii, are met with distrust and resistance. Despite Shreve's sincere desire to help, the young alien race, scarred by previous exploitation, rejects their offer, believing they do not need external assistance. As the planet begins to erupt, Shreve struggles with his inability to save them, highlighting the tragic consequences of pride and the difficulty of understanding different cultures. The narrative ends on a note of sadness and reflection, emphasizing the complexities of interstellar interactions and the often painful lessons learned by both parties.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The untouchable adolescents, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 1 hours
  • intermediate
  • tragic
  • poignant
  • cautionary

Harlan Ellison's "The Untouchable Adolescents" is a poignant science fiction short story set on the alien planet Diamore, which faces imminent destruction from volcanic eruptions. Captain Luther Shreve and Psych Officer Karl Teller arrive with advanced knowledge of the impending catastrophe, aiming to offer aid to the telepathic Diamoraii. However, their well-intentioned efforts are met with deep-seated distrust and proud rejection from the young alien race, who have suffered exploitation in the past. The story tragically explores the insurmountable barriers of communication and understanding between vastly different cultures, culminating in the helpless observation of Diamore's destruction. It serves as a somber reflection on the complexities of interstellar diplomacy, the limits of intervention, and the devastating consequences of pride and misunderstanding.

“"We came to offer help, not conquest. Can you not discern the difference, even with your minds laid bare?"”

Key themes

Communication and Misunderstanding
Despite the Diamoraii being telepathic, true communication breaks down due to cultural differences, historical trauma, and ingrained distrust. The story highlights that shared language (or thought) does not guarantee shared understanding or empathy, leading to tragic consequences.
The Ethics of Intervention and Colonialism
The story critically examines the dilemma of intervening in another society's affairs, even with the best intentions. It questions whether 'help' can ever be truly free of perceived imposition, especially when the helping party is more technologically advanced and the aided party has a history of exploitation. The Diamoraii's rejection forces a confrontation with the limits of humanitarian intervention.
Pride and Ignorance
The Diamoraii's 'adolescent' pride and inexperience prevent them from acknowledging their vulnerability and accepting aid, even in the face of certain destruction. This theme explores how arrogance and a refusal to learn from others, or from one's own limitations, can lead to tragic self-inflicted harm.

Worth discussing

Is there a moral obligation to intervene when a society is unknowingly heading towards self-destruction, even if they reject aid?

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