Atomic Brain Trivia Quiz

Answer: H.G. Wells

Wells had a certain amount of knowledge regarding the physics of atoms, based on studies by Ramsay, Rutherford and Soddy. His proposed solution to the perceived future problem was a form of "world government" - quite a concept to think of during the initial stages of WWI.

Answer: The Postman

In "The Postman", a man finds a postal truck complete with undelivered mail, along with a postal uniform. Initially he dons the clothes because he needs something warm to wear, but eventually decides to actually deliver the mail, which gives the hope of "normalcy" to the local survivors.

Answer: John Wyndham

"The Chrysalids" is about a post-nuclear world in which mutations (a perhaps expected result of surviving species) are considered a "blasphemy" and punishable by death or exile. The protagonists of the story are telepaths, so you can imagine how they would feel the need to flee their normal surroundings/society.

Answer: Damnation Alley

After a nuclear war, most of the United States has turned into several "police states" instead. Unpredictable storms fuelled by high winds prevent any sort of air travel and make life in general a living hell. The "hero" of the novel has to deliver a vaccine, driving from Los Angeles to Boston (the "damnation alley" alluded to in the title).

Roger Zelazny, a phenomenal fantasy/sci-fi writer, is probably best known for "Lord of Light" and the "Chronicles of Amber" series.

Answer: Alas, Babylon

"Alas, Babylon" was a code-term that the two protagonist brothers in the novel used to infer "impending disaster". Their coded messages proved correct when Miami, Orlando and Tampa were destroyed by nuclear bombings. Later it was discovered that many other areas in the US suffered greatly and that the (now third-world) country was forced to accept aid from nations such as Venezuela and Brazil.

Although the book was written in 1959, in 2011 it still appeared on amazon.com's science fiction top 20 list.

Answer: Robert A. Heinlein

In a scenario pre-reminiscent of "Dr. Who", several people along with their fallout shelter are transported to another place/time after nuclear explosions. Heinlein was frequently controversial in many of his writings and this novel is no exception, but it does give an interesting look at social dynamics under extreme conditions.

Answer: On the Beach

In this book, most of the Northern Hemisphere has been made uninhabitable for plants, animals and humans due to nuclear warfare. Folks from Australia and New Zealand attempt to rescue people who still may be alive up north, based on a strange radio/morse signal they have received. Unfortunately this is a red herring. Even more unfortunately, the would-be rescuers develop radiation poisoning and it all goes downhill from there.

Answer: Riddley Walker

Language (and its changes over time) are important in this novel, which uses transliteration of a Kentish accent (or perhaps a crude allusion to Chaucerian English) to create suspense. The book won two awards in Australia and in 1981 was also nominated for a Nebula for best novel.

As for the incorrect answer options: Ridley Scott is a film producer/director, Robert Ripley is famous for "Ripley's Believe It or Not" and Tom Riddle is a character from the Harry Potter series.

Answer: Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?

"Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep" was a 1968 novel written by Philip K. Dick. The movie "Blade Runner" (1982), starring Harrison Ford as Deckard, was based on this book.

Answer: Nineteen Eighty-Four

Yes, I know it's a work of fiction, but you can bet that even at this minute, while you are taking this quiz, that "Big Brother" could be watching you!