334 by Thomas M. Disch
"334" is a collection of six interconnected stories set in a futuristic society governed by the welfare state MODICUM, which is characterized by its bureaucratic and technocratic nature. Within this utopian framework, all citizens have access to basic needs like food, shelter, and education, yet the system neglects individual desires and aspirations, leading to a profound sense of discontent among the populace. The narrative explores various characters who grapple with their personal struggles against the backdrop of MODICUM’s oppressive environment.
The first story, "The Death of Socrates," follows Birdie Ludd, who seeks to fulfill his dream of marrying Milly by improving his genetic testing score, ultimately discovering deeper philosophical truths before succumbing to societal pressures. Other stories delve into themes of identity and morality, as seen through the experiences of social worker Alexa Miller and her dual existence between contemporary life and a fantasy of the Roman Empire. The collection culminates in a powerful examination of family disintegration and loss in the titular story, as Boz’s mother faces eviction from her home due to the absence of her family.
Overall, "334" critiques the notion of a perfect society while illuminating the emotional and psychological battles faced by individuals in such a rigid system.
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334
First published: 1972
Type of work: Stories
Type of plot: Science fiction—dystopia
Time of work: 2021-2026
Locale: New York City
The Plot
In the six linked stories of 334, the welfare state MODICUM rules a bureaucratic, technocratic utopia. Nobody lacks food, shelter, or education, and there are numerous technological advances. To maintain these positive aspects, however, MODICUM ignores the personal needs of individuals and is an urban hell for most of the population, powerless people seeking fulfillment, happiness, and freedom.
In the first story, “The Death of Socrates,” young Birdie Ludd can marry his beloved Milly if he raises his Regents (Revised Genetics Testing Act) score to the level allowing procreation. His last chance is to write an essay. As he works on it, he learns about Socrates, ideas, beauty, justice, truth, love, and creativity, thus waking his soul. After the essay receives too few points, however, Birdie kills his feelings and joins the Marines. As the Athenian society killed Socrates, MODICUM kills Birdie.
The title of the second story, “Bodies,” refers to the living dead people like Birdie and to the Bellevue Hospital morgue corpses that Milly’s father, Ab Holt, disposes of, often by illegally selling them to a necrophilia business. Ab is in a quandary when a necrophiliac dismembers the body of a young woman slated for cryogenic freezing and an inquisitive reporter comes calling. Luckily for Ab, a plan comes to him: He will switch bodies.
The third story, “Everyday Life in the Later Roman Empire,” portrays Alexa Miller, a MODICUM social worker educated in the humanities. Because Alexa often enters a drug-induced “moral gymnasium” fantasy world of the Roman Empire, two Alexas and two civilizations intertwine. Both Alexas decide to fight the barbarism destroying their societies. Twenty-first century Alexa will recruit children—including her son Tancred—to attend the Alexander Lowen School so they may develop creative souls as dancers.
In the fourth story, “Emancipation,” ironically subtitled “A Romance of the Times to Come,” young Boz and Milly Hanson are having marital problems. Milly, a sex therapist, seems happy, but househusband Boz feels that something is missing. To save their marriage and find fulfillment, they must make a baby (decanted from a glass womb) and Milly must donate her breasts to Boz so he can experience motherhood.
The fifth story, “Angouleme,” concerns the Alexandrians, a gang of seven precocious kids—including Tancred—attending the Lowen School. Little Mister Kissy Lips masterminds a plot whereby the children will murder an old panhandler at the Manhattan Battery. After the Alexandrians dance to a radio broadcast of Orfeo, all but their leader exorcise their personal hells and abandon the plan.
The final story is “334,” a novella comprising forty-three vignettes plotted in a three-dimensional diagram resembling a building. The novella depicts the disintegration of the Hanson family. Boz’s mother, Mrs. Hanson, is evicted from 334 because her children and grandchildren have escaped and she no longer meets the minimum occupancy requirement. In the street, Mrs. Hanson lights a pyre of her possessions.