Runaway

Illustrated by William Ashman

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"Runaway" by William Morrison is a science fiction novella written in the early 1950s. The story follows a young boy named Plato who yearns for adventure and dreams of becoming a space explorer, drawing inspiration from fictional heroes. As he devises a plan to run away and stow away on a spaceship, the narrative explores themes of imagination, childhood dreams, and the stark contrast between youthful aspirations and the realities of adult life. Plato, feeling stifled by his mundane school life and the teasing arising from his unusual name, decides to embark on an adventure of his own. He meticulously plans his escape, from crafting a fake ticket to stowing away on a ship. However, his fantastical journey takes a turn when he is discovered by authority figures who thwart his aspirations. Ultimately, the story reveals the conflict between the innocent dreams of youth and the sobering constraints imposed by societal expectations, culminating in a poignant reminder of the loss of childhood innocence as Plato confronts the harsh realities that challenge his dreams of adventure.

Summary written by Project Gutenberg, by machine.