Future Sci-Fi review paper

Noel Johnson

Paper Summary and Analysis

Predicting our downfall

            Within all of these papers the authors predict the downfall of man. All of which are also products of man’s own blind follies. Within the first reading, “The Machine Stops” it is detailed that man has migrated to underground cities run entirely by a technology referred to as “The Machine”. Within this society human beings have lost so many things that we currently associate with humanity itself. There is no longer human contact as all communication happens through screens and speakers. While means of in person communication is still available, it is societally considered an unnecessary waste of time and somewhat inappropriate. This leads to a lack of desire for physical contact as well. Due to an underground life humans have grown to hate and even fear the earth’s surface and the things it offers, like air and sunlight. The machine that they live within, despite being knowingly created by man, begins to be worshiped like a God and all who speak out against the “blessings” of the machine are disposed of. Permission of basic carnal human needs for reproduction even require permission from the Machine and its committee.

            It is referenced within this story as well that the reason for this underground civilization is that the surface of the earth has become inhabitable. This ties this story in with the other two as well: bringing all three around to the subject of climate change even though “The Machine Stops” is largely a criticism of our worship and use of technology. All three also criticize our out of control consumption of luxury items without any idea of repercussions that this consumption may have on our future. However, all also have slight tinges of hope. The idea that, hopefully, humanity will learn either well before or at least recover after its mistakes. In terms of writing, all stories provide enough information to piece together a narrative, but it also leaves enough information hidden that allows for the audiences’ imagination to complete the rest of the story. I hope to draw inspiration from this writing style and translate it into a visual narrative that allows a story to be built, but also allows for the audience to finish parts of the story on their own.