Fallout

Strasser’s Fallout both implicitly and explicitly examines how the looming threat of nuclear war and the subsequent confinement in a fallout shelter impact the characters’ behaviors, relationships, and psychological well-being. This examination of stress occurs across both timelines, providing a comprehensive illustration of the diverse reactions that ensue in the face of different types and levels of stress.

In the pre-attack timeline, the stress of living under the constant threat of nuclear war manifests in many different ways. For example, Scott’s father decides to build a fallout shelter, reflecting a proactive but potentially obsessive approach to managing his fears over the threat. While his decision is critical to saving many lives, his actions also create tension within the family during the pre-attack narrative, for although Scott’s father sees the fallout shelter as a source of safety, Scott’s mother sees it as a constant reminder of the nuclear threat, which she would rather ignore altogether, relying upon a sense of emotional distance to cope with the existential threat of nuclear disaster. This conflict demonstrates that two rational adults can have opposite reactions to the same stressful events. Additionally, Scott’s mother’s focus on denial and emotional distance and Scott’s habit of pulling out his own hair showcase the damaging effects of long-term stress.

The novel also addresses the fact that children respond differently to stress than adults do. For example, Scott and his friends process the threat of war through their games and discussions, often mixing childish misunderstandings with genuine fear. Their anxiety is exacerbated by the school drills and classroom discussions about the Cuban Missile Crisis, both of which show that the stress of potential nuclear war permeates daily life and educational settings. The presence of this threat in the fabric of society deeply affects the children’s worldview and shatters their sense of security, but even so, the children never really internalize the threat of annihilation as the adults do, for they are not yet emotionally equipped to fully understand the situation.

In the post-attack timeline, the acute stress of survival in the fallout shelter intensifies each character’s reactions. The confined space, limited resources, and lingering uncertainty create a tension-filled environment that brings out both the best and the worst in people. The novel therefore depicts a broad range of stress responses, and Mr. McGovern’s aggression and Mr. Shaw’s withdrawal and despair both conflict with the calm, determined demeanor of Scott’s father, who endeavors to take care of the whole group despite the hardships involved. As with the pre-attack chapters, physical manifestations of stress are evident throughout the post-attack chapters. Everyone experiences fatigue, irritability, and insomnia, and the lack of privacy exacerbates the stress as the group is forced to abandon much of their dignity in the near-impossible circumstances. Additionally, interpersonal relationships are significantly impacted by the stressful conditions of the shelter, as is suggested by Scott and Ronnie’s strained friendship and Mr. Shaw’s shift from relaxed confidence to despair.

It is also important to note the novel’s focus on the ways that extreme stress sometimes compels people to make unconscionable choices. Significantly, the dire circumstances of life in the shelter strip the veneer of civility from the characters’ existing prejudices, and Mr. McGovern’s long-held racist attitudes run rampant because he is no longer restrained by the conventions of pre-attack American society. Thus, he feels no compunction about suggesting that Janet and Scott’s mother be expelled from the shelter, disregarding the fact that such an action would condemn them to death. By dismissing Janet because she is Black and Scott’s mother because she is disabled. Mr. McGovern indulges in cruel behavior and demonstrates that prejudices can persist and worsen amid deeply traumatizing circumstances. Ultimately, Fallout presents a multifaceted exploration of stress and its effects on human behavior. By examining pre-crisis and post-crisis situations, the novel provides insight into the darker aspects of human nature that emerge in such scenarios.