Additionally, it fails as an effective psychological thriller because the characters are ill-defined, and Campbell's delivery of them as distinct individuals is an incomplete pass. Ironically, the premise of the alien as an undetectable shape-shifter is the perfect, albeit unmined, ore for a disturbing investigation of the psyche. To his credit, Campbell placed this tale in the forbidding, exotic Antarctic, which, in the 1950s, must have seemed even more remote and desolate than in today's era of National Geographic footage, satellite remotes and e-mail. But in the end this story is probably best enjoyed as an important piece of SF literary history rather than as an important piece of literature on its own. However, classic doesn't automatically translate as excellence.
Classics also make their mark by paving the way for others.
SF is indebted to Campbell for making room for Hawkes' and Carpenter's brilliant treatments. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any medium strictly prohibited.