"The Men in the Walls" is a thought-provoking science fiction short tale by William Tenn, pen name for Philip Klass. This story provides a unique and unpleasant look at human behavior and cultural norms. The novel takes place in a future world where people live in communal homes with retractable walls that disclose hidden chambers for personal space. The story follows Peter Corey, a newbie to one of these community homes, as he uncovers the unpleasant truth about the individuals who live there. He becomes increasingly aware of "men in the walls" - people who have decided to live their entire lives secluded within the wall compartments, avoiding societal connections. As Peter looks deeper into the mystery, he wrestles with issues of conformity, individualism, and the extent people would go to escape societal expectations. He also faces the terrible fact of people voluntarily withdrawing from human contact, resulting in intense emotions of isolation and alienation. "The Men in the Walls" by William Tenn is a frightening investigation of the human psyche and the effects of extreme social isolation. The ominous atmosphere and psychological complexity of the narrative make it a noteworthy work of science fiction, encouraging readers to consider the complexities of human relationships and the impact of societal standards on individual choices.
Philip Klass (May 9, 1920 – February 7, 2010) was a British-born American science fiction novelist known for his satirical novels under the pen name William Tenn. Phillip Klass, the oldest of three children, was born in London to a Jewish family and moved to New York City with his parents before his second birthday. After serving in the United States Army as a combat engineer in Europe during WWII, he worked as a technical editor for an Air Force radar and radio laboratory before joining Bell Labs. Phillip and Fruma Klass married in 1957 and relocated to State College, Pennsylvania, in 1966, where he taught English and comparative literature for 22 years at Penn State University. Rambo author David Morrell, screenwriter Steven E. de Souza, technical writer Steven Levy, and crime novelist Ray Ring were among his students who went on to successful careers as writers. Fruma Klass (b. 1935) grew up in New York City and went on to work as a lab technician, medical editor, and Harper & Row copy editor after graduating from the Bronx High School of Science and Brooklyn College. She taught writing at Penn State and worked as a copy editor for the Penn State University Press.
