About
A science-fiction story by Arthur C. Clarke set on a space station, where a small canary becomes a 'feathered friend' that saves human lives.
Summary
On a space station, a young worker secretly keeps a pet canary named Claribel, against the rules. One day the bird suddenly faints and falls, even though nothing seems wrong to the crew. The narrator realises that birds are very sensitive to a drop in oxygen, just as canaries once warned miners of bad air. The bird's collapse warns the crew that the air-purifying system has failed and oxygen is running low. Thanks to this timely warning, the astronauts fix the fault and are saved. The little canary becomes a true lifesaving friend.
Theme / message
Even the smallest creature can be valuable and life-saving. The story shows friendship between humans and animals and the wonders of science.
Important questions
- Who was Claribel and why was she on the space station?
- How did the canary warn the crew of danger?
- Why are birds useful as warnings of low oxygen?
Key words
canary - a small yellow bird; oxygen - the gas we breathe; space station - a craft orbiting in space; sensitive - quick to react; warning - a sign of danger.
Book a free demo class