{"product_id":"2940012889676","title":"Man's Masquerade","description":"A short story which covers a number of important themes, Man's Masquerade explores the hidden face of humanity while critiquing a number of social issues.  Subtle symbolism and powerful scenes bring the reader's emotions into the story.  This work combines two separate stories to paint a picture of life in a bleak future which brings to mind those created by Huxley or Orwell.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe tale occurs in a future where human autonomy is almost entirely destroyed.  A series of calculations and formulas decide what gets done, when, and how.  Most of the story is told through a journal entry from a brave soul who can no longer bear to see the decay of humanity.  Leaving behind his life in a society which has lost any form of civility the narrator discovers a past which is much different than the one he was taught.  Realizing the extent to which humanity has fallen he faces the challenge of being a voice against what so many believe in and fight for.  Giving the reader an idea of what it is like for those who fall victim to a darker side of the cold calculations is Mr. Doe.  His story, while brief, follows the last days of his time in the world and the complexity of his beliefs at a time of utter despair.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMan's Masquerade sharply critiques modern complacency and hubris while also examining the significance of subjects like language and free will.  A broad range of themes keeps every reader keenly interested while a fast moving plot leaves you racing to find out what happens next.  What happens to a society when autonomy is taken away?  How much does mankind need a sense of security and stability?  What dark secret do we hide behind our masks of civility?","brand":"William Goette","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47152433955056,"sku":"2940012889676","price":1.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/2940012889676_p0.jpg?v=1763573983","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/2940012889676","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}