TY - BOOK AU - Savage,Arthur Dekker AU - Orban,Paul TI - DP T2 - Produced from If Worlds of Science Fiction September 1954 AV - PS PY - 2009/// CY - Salt Lake City, UT PB - Project Gutenberg KW - Science fiction KW - Short stories N1 - Release date is 2009-10-21; Produced by Greg Weeks, Stephen Blundell and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net; Original publication data not identified N2 - "DP" by Arthur Dekker Savage is a science fiction narrative likely written in the mid-20th century. The story explores themes of societal conformity and existential ennui within a futuristic world where government ensures maximum comfort for its citizens, but at the cost of meaningful existence. The central focus of the book is the protagonist's disillusionment with a life devoid of purpose, prompting his desire for a "Departure Permit," symbolizing a quest for escape from a stagnant society. The plot centers around Allen Kinderwood, a young man trapped in a monotonous, pleasure-driven world. As he contemplates his upcoming appointment for a Departure Permit, he encounters Nedda Marsh, a woman under "protection," which complicates his desire for connection amid societal rules surrounding dating and relationships. Amidst their flirtation and a violent encounter with Nedda's protector, Allen grapples with the implications of his choices and the oppressive nature of their environment. The climax reveals a poignant tension between the comforts provided by the government and the pervasive feeling of emptiness that plagues its citizens, culminating in a decision that questions the value of his existence in such a controlled and superfluous society. Ultimately, Allen's struggle reflects a broader commentary on human purpose and the search for meaning in a world engineered for ease yet barren of genuine fulfillment. (This is an automatically generated summary.) UR - https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/30305 ER -