"Mr. Jester" is a science fiction short story by American writer Fred Saberhagen. It was first published in If, in 1966.

Plot summary

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After a society without humor exiles their only comedian to the outskirts of the solar system, he becomes the only one who can save them from being destroyed by a Berserker.

Reception

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"Mr. Jester" was a finalist for the 1967 Hugo Award for Best Short Story.[1] Galactic Journey noted thematic parallels with Harlan Ellison's "'Repent, Harlequin!' Said the Ticktockman", which had been published the previous month, but felt that Ellison's approach to the concept was preferable.[2]

References

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  1. ^ 1967 Hugo Awards, at TheHugoAwards.org; retrieved December 20, 2018
  2. ^ <December 2, 1965> Superiority Complex (January 1966 IF), by David Levinson, at Galactic Journey; published December 2, 2020; retrieved October 24, 2023
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