Nicholas Barrero-Pinzon

English 11

1 March 2019

Mr. Barazzuol                         Evil Robot Monkey: An Alternate Ending

The short story, “Evil Robot Monkey,” by Mary Robinette Kowal is about a monkey that has been enhanced by a cerebral implant. One day, some students and a teacher visit him and mock him, causing him to write profanity on the window with his clay and threaten the teacher, which causes the lead scientist Delilah to punish him and take away his clay. The story’s original theme deals with how the mistreatment of others and isolation can lead to aggressive behaviour, such as Delilah’s isolation of Sly that has made him anti-social and aggressive. The new rendition’s theme is that of getting revenge against those who mistreat others, in this case Sly escaping his pen in order to get revenge against Delilah. The original story used Sly’s unpredictability to build suspense, like when Vern gets near Sly and the narrator says that Sly could snap Vern’s neck. The new rendition uses that same unpredictability, combined with high stakes as Sly avoids security while trying to find Delilah in order to get his revenge for all the mistreatment he has received from her.

The stylistic choices made were to keep some of the allusions used originally, such as Delilah’s name in the Bible, while adding some new ones, such as Sly and Delilah being allusions to David and Goliath. The David and Goliath allusion comes from Sly, wielding only a pocket, trying to reach Delilah, who has security guards that can help protect her and track down Sly. Other stylistic choices were to use some metaphors and similes. The original ending was unresolved, as not much is really known about what happens to Sly after being punished. The new ending is a twist ending as the reader does not expect Sly to fail and end up getting eliminated by Delilah.

The new rendition is a bit darker than the original and retains some stylistic choices and suspense techniques from the original story while adding some new ones, and changing the theme.

 

Alternate Ending:

He seemed to understand the hellish limbo where Sly lived–too smart to be with other chimps, but too much of an animal to be with humans.

Sly stopped and looked Vern in the eyes and signed, “Did you bring what I asked for?”

Vern handed him a pocket knife in a discrete manner, “Yes, but I don’t understand what you would possibly need this for, especially my key card.”

“I’m tired of letting Delilah treat me this way. I’m going to make her pay for the way she has treated me”

Vern’s face turned as pale as a ghost, “No, don’t hurt Delilah! It’ll only make things worse. I won’t give you my key card!”

Sly clenched his fist for a moment, “I’m sorry Vern, but I must. I won’t let you get in my way.”

“No, Sly. Please do-” Vern fell to the floor

“Goodbye, Vern. Thank you for your friendship.” Sly unlocked the door, checked if the hallway was clear, then began to sneak his way towards Delilah’s office; It was so quiet you could hear a feather fall. He felt like he was being watched. He then heard a guard marching towards him.

“Hey! What are you doing?” The guard began to chase after Sly, he grabbed Sly by the leg.

Sly turned and slashed the guard’s face. As the guard was on the ground, writhing in pain, he looked around and noticed a vent that he could crawl into. He also noticed a camera that seemed to be following him.

Sly ran towards the vent and got in as fast as he could. He made his way through the vents. He still felt like he was being watched. He knew the whole lab was on lockdown and that security was looking for him, but there was still a feeling he couldn’t shake. He could hear the guards communicating.

“Test Subject #5 has escaped and is armed. We already have 2 casualties”

Sly finally reached Delilah’s office. He got out of the vent and drew his sword. He looked at Delilah, who seemed to tower over him. He signed “Sic Semper Tyrannis,” then charged at Delilah while hooting. Sly suddenly felt 10 000 volts go down his spine before he fell to the ground.

Delilah looked at him with a smile, “Did you honestly think I wouldn’t figure out what you were up to? Poor Vern, you just had to betray him.”

Sly couldn’t move, let alone breathe.

“You’re nothing but a savage beast. Perhaps your successor will provide better results.”

Sly’s head felt like it was about to explode, then Sly let out a weak breath.

Delilah walked over to her desk and dialed a number, “Could the custodian please come to my office? I have a mess that needs to be cleaned.”

Visual

Vase and pottery wheel: Designed by Wannapik, with modifications

Stool: http://worldartsme.com/3-legged-stool-template-clipart.html#

Sly: Made by me using DraftSight