Croatoan (Ellison)

Croatoan FSF

Croatoan is a short story written by Harlan Ellison, an acclaimed American writer known for his prolific work in science fiction, fantasy, and horror. The story was first published in 1975 and has since been included in several of Ellison's collections.

Plot Summary

The narrative of "Croatoan" revolves around a man named Gabe who descends into the sewers of New York City to retrieve an aborted fetus. The story delves into themes of guilt, responsibility, and the darker aspects of human nature. As Gabe ventures deeper into the sewers, he encounters a mysterious and unsettling world that challenges his perceptions and forces him to confront his own inner demons.

Themes

"Croatoan" explores several recurring themes in Ellison's work, including:

• Guilt and Redemption: The protagonist's journey is driven by a sense of guilt and a desire for redemption.
• Urban Decay: The setting of the sewers serves as a metaphor for the hidden, decaying aspects of modern urban life.
• Existential Horror: The story delves into the psychological and existential fears that haunt the human psyche.

Title Significance

The title "Croatoan" refers to the mysterious word found carved into a tree on Roanoke Island after the disappearance of the Roanoke Colony. This historical reference adds an element of mystery and unresolved tension to the story, paralleling the protagonist's own unresolved issues.

Reception

"Croatoan" has been praised for its intense atmosphere, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes. It is considered one of Ellison's notable works and has been included in several anthologies of science fiction and horror.

Related Works

Harlan Ellison's other notable works include:

• I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream
• Repent, Harlequin! Said the Ticktockman
• A Boy and His Dog

See Also

• Harlan Ellison
• Science fiction
• Fantasy
• Horror fiction
• Roanoke Colony

External Links

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