46 pages • 1 hour read
The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street
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Book Brief
72
Play • Fiction
Suburban Neighborhood • 1960s
1960
YA
10-14 years
Super Short Summary
In "The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street," the peaceful residents of a suburban neighborhood are plunged into chaos after a sudden power outage following a mysterious overhead object. Suspicion and paranoia escalate when a boy suggests that aliens disguised as humans are among them, leading neighbors to turn against each other in a frenzy of fear and accusations, ultimately revealing the dangerous nature of human prejudice.
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Unnerving
Dark
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street by Rod Serling is lauded for its incisive exploration of paranoia and group dynamics. Critics praise its timeless social commentary and tight narrative. However, some note its heavy-handed messaging and limited character development. Overall, it remains a poignant, thought-provoking piece that resonates with contemporary audiences.
Who Should Read The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street?
Readers who savor speculative fiction with social commentary will appreciate Rod Serling's The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street. Fans of George Orwell's 1984 and Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 will find its exploration of paranoia and human nature both compelling and thought-provoking.
Charlie
Charlie
Portrayed by Jack Weston, he is initially friendly but quickly becomes paranoid, leading the mob mentality with destructive actions meant to protect his home.
Figures One and Two
Figures One and Two
These characters appear only at the episode's conclusion, representing an external threat that leverages the community's vulnerabilities to create chaos.
The Narrator/Rod Serling
The Narrator/Rod Serling
Serving as the episode's host, he delivers opening and closing monologues that frame the narrative and emphasize its moral lessons.
72
Play • Fiction
Suburban Neighborhood • 1960s
1960
YA
10-14 years
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