The Ballad of Beta-2

Samuel Delany's The Ballad of Beta-2 is another example of his excellent early novels and novellas. The central character, Joneny, a student of galactic anthropology, is assigned the task of researching a ballad among the "degenerate" Star Folk, descendants of human colonists sent into interstellar space before the invention of the hyperdrive. This particular ballad, however, is an interesting science-fiction retelling of Judaeo-Christian themes and beliefs. Sure, the interstellar star-ship voyagers partly inspired by Biblical stories is not new in science fiction, but Delany's short novel manages to convey a suspenseful story of god-like beings and human redemption. Indeed, the travails of 12 generations of these Star Folk were not for naught, as the child of Captain Leela and the "Destroyer" will ease future communication between humans and other peoples of the universe. One can also appreciate the interesting anthropological aspects of the text lie in its depiction of multiple-generations of humans adapted to life on star-ships, and the degree to which they desire to impose social norms can be disastrous. Considering Delany's own "outsider" status as an African American and gay man, the forces promoting social conformity and the status quo through the upholding of blind rituals are clearly a reminder of life in 1960s America. Or today, in 2020, for that matter. Society needs its deviants, just as the deviants require society.