Well, in a short story about an automatic house and nuclear war, it could start with the description of the house's amazing features. It's all shiny and new, with everything automated from the lights to the security systems. But then, the nukes start flying. The shockwaves rattle the house. The story might then focus on the psychological state of the people in the house. They are scared, of course. They see their once - perfect world crumbling. As the story progresses, they may try to use the house's resources to build some sort of protection against the radiation, or they might make a desperate attempt to communicate with the outside world to see if there are any other survivors.
In the short story, initially the automatic house may try to maintain its normal operations. But as the nuclear war progresses, its sensors could be overloaded by the extreme conditions outside. For example, the radiation detectors might be maxed out, and the house's self - protection mechanisms may not be enough to keep the inhabitants safe. It could end up being more of a prison than a shelter as the outside world becomes more and more inhospitable.
Once upon a time, two powerful nations were at odds. Tensions rose and neither side was willing to back down. One day, a miscalculation occurred in the early warning systems. Missiles were launched. The world watched in horror as nuclear warheads streaked across the sky. Cities were obliterated in an instant, and the mushroom clouds darkened the sun. Survivors faced a world of chaos, radiation, and scarce resources. It was a new dark age, a testament to humanity's self - destruction.
One consequence could be the destruction of cities. Nuclear bombs are extremely powerful, and they can flatten large urban areas in an instant. Another consequence is the loss of countless lives. Not only from the initial blast but also from the after - effects like radiation sickness. Also, there would be a breakdown of society. With infrastructure gone, there would be no law enforcement, no hospitals, etc.
Well, the house could be a symbol of hope in a post - nuclear war story. It might be the last standing structure in a devastated neighborhood. The exterior could be charred, but inside, the family or survivors might be trying to rebuild a sense of normalcy. They could be using whatever materials they can find to repair the house, like pieces of broken furniture to patch up holes in the walls. The house would also be a place full of memories of the pre - war life, which could both comfort and haunt the people living there.
One possible aspect of Sturgeon's post - nuclear war short story could be the exploration of human survival. In such a story, characters might be forced to adapt to a radically changed environment, facing scarcity of resources like food, water, and shelter. They may also have to deal with the physical and psychological aftermath of the nuclear event, such as radiation sickness and trauma.
The environment around the house would be very different. There would likely be a lot of destruction. Trees would be burned or knocked down, and the ground might be covered in ash.
One of Stephen King's short stories related to nuclear war might be 'The End of the Whole Mess'. It presents a rather unique take on the consequences of such a cataclysmic event. The story delves into how humanity might react and the far - reaching impacts on society, not just in terms of destruction but also on the moral and psychological aspects of the survivors.
Survival is a common theme. In these stories, characters often have to find ways to stay alive in a world that has been turned upside down by nuclear war. For example, they might search for food, water, and shelter in a desolate landscape.
Another nuclear war story could be set in a post - apocalyptic world after a nuclear exchange. A group of people are trying to rebuild society. They face challenges like radioactive zones that are uninhabitable, mutated animals, and a lack of technology knowledge. The story could follow their journey as they try to find other survivors, start growing food in uncontaminated areas, and recreate some form of community in the ruins of the old world.
Well, the 'big one' nuclear war story might be about the most significant or feared nuclear war situation. It may explore how it could start, perhaps due to political tensions, misunderstandings between superpowers, or the breakdown of international relations. Once such a war starts, it's not just about the immediate explosions but also about the aftermath. There would be a global disruption of economies, food shortages as agricultural areas are destroyed, and a breakdown of social order in many places.