Have you ever wondered what life would be like in 2080? In his story, “The Cold Equations,” Tom Godwin uses many elements to create a suspenseful story such as: a symbolic title, a meaningful theme, and dynamic characters.” I know, I have no choice” (14) This quote shows conflicts the characters will face. The Cold Equations can expose the problems of new technologies and space travel.

First, the title The Cold Equations has several hidden meanings. The equation that is evident is that a transport ship can only go to its set destinations with a certain amount of weight. If any weight is added to the known amount, it could be tragic. When a person is caught as a stowaway they are removed by being jettison into space. The pilot of a transport ship finds a young girl named Marilyn and has to decide either to risk their lives or to jettison her. What should the pilot do? Jettison her? Or risk his own life?

Second, The Cold Equations can have multiple themes. A common theme could be making the right choice. The theme which is the most meaningful and relevant would be human against technology. These themes represent the conflicts of the story. What other themes can you find for this story?

Third, the characters and their personalities have many effects on the story. The pilot, who is unnamed, is a sensitive person and can shows compassion when he can. Marilyn is an 18 year old stowaway, who the pilot finds and has to decide to let her live or to jettison her. The pilot wouldn’t think much about jettisoning a man but since this girl was so young he would feel guilty to do it. “Any stowaway discovered in an EDS shall be jettisoned immediately following discovery.” (16) Those were the rules and he must obey them. After long deliberation he decided to go along and jettison Marilyn. Do you think he did the right thing?

Godwin’s The Cold Equations uses many elements to create an exciting story. Some of these elements are a thoughtful theme, a meaningful title, and serious characters. In this story many quotes add to the suspense and create an all around excellent story. “The Frontier is a strange place – and a frontier is not always easy to recognize. It may lie on the other side of a simple door marked “No admittance” – but it is always deadly dangerous.” (15)