02623cam a22003853u 4500 60682 UtSlPG 20260610134411.0 m cr n 260607r2019||||utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d UtSlPG en iso639-1 PS Thomas, Theodore L., 1920-2005 The Good Work Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg, 2019 1 online resource : multiple file formats text txt rdacontent computer c rdamedia online resource cr rdacarrier Produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, February 1959 Release date is 2019-11-13 Produced by Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net "The Good Work" by Theodore L. Thomas is a science fiction short story written during the late 1950s. Set in a dystopian future where the world is overcrowded and resources are scarce, the narrative explores the life of Jeremiah Winthrop, a man struggling to provide for his family in a society characterized by monotonous living and dependency on standardized provisions. The story examines themes of dignity, work, and the spirit of striving for a better life in an oppressive environment. In the story, Jeremiah Winthrop lives with his wife, Ann, and their son, Davy, in a world where they primarily subsist on synthetic food dubbed "Standard Fare." As societal pressures mount, Winthrop realizes the profound impact of his dire situation on his family, particularly on Davy's future. Desperate for meaningful work and a way to escape the cycle of deprivation, he applies for a government job and eventually becomes part of a maintenance crew tasked with tightening nuts on the building's framework. As he resumes working, the family's dynamic shifts positively, fostering hope and a sense of pride. Interpersonal connections deepen, leading to a moment where Winthrop rejoices in the simple pleasures of family life and fulfills a crucial role in society, contrasting sharply with the despair he once faced. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Original publication data not identified Science fiction Short stories Satire Overpopulation -- Fiction United States -- Economic conditions -- Fiction Work -- Fiction Produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, February 1959 https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/60682 101508 101508