Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following best describes Adolph Knipe's demeanor during his conversation with Mr. Bohlen?
Which of the following best describes Adolph Knipe's demeanor during his conversation with Mr. Bohlen?
- Reserved and seemingly uninterested, despite Mr. Bohlen's praise. (correct)
- Visibly enthusiastic and proud of his accomplishments.
- Openly defiant and critical of the project's success.
- Politely dismissive as he wanted a raise.
What is the primary function of the automatic computing engine described in the newspaper excerpt?
What is the primary function of the automatic computing engine described in the newspaper excerpt?
- To replace mathematicians and scientists in complex problem-solving.
- To generate pulses of electricity for complex systems.
- To teach complex mathematics at an accessible level.
- To provide rapid mathematical calculations for science, industry, and administration. (correct)
Why might Adolph Knipe dislike Mr. Bohlen's hands and mouth?
Why might Adolph Knipe dislike Mr. Bohlen's hands and mouth?
- They remind him of someone from his past who betrayed him.
- He is jealous of Mr. Bohlen's successful career, so he expresses his repressed jealousy by focusing on Mr. Bohlen's features.
- Mr. Bohlen's grooming habits were poor.
- They are described in a way that suggests Knipe finds them physically repulsive. (correct)
What does Mr. Bohlen's offer of a week's holiday to Knipe likely signify, given Knipe's behavior?
What does Mr. Bohlen's offer of a week's holiday to Knipe likely signify, given Knipe's behavior?
What underlying theme is suggested by the contrast between the computing engine's capabilities and Knipe's apparent lack of enthusiasm?
What underlying theme is suggested by the contrast between the computing engine's capabilities and Knipe's apparent lack of enthusiasm?
From the description of the automatic computing engine, what can be inferred about the direction of technological development at the time?
From the description of the automatic computing engine, what can be inferred about the direction of technological development at the time?
How accurately does Mr. Bohlen perceive Knipe's true feelings and state of mind?
How accurately does Mr. Bohlen perceive Knipe's true feelings and state of mind?
What is the narrative significance of the detailed description of the computing engine's capabilities early in the conversation?
What is the narrative significance of the detailed description of the computing engine's capabilities early in the conversation?
What is the primary reason Mr. Bohlen and Adolph Knipe keep the machine a secret?
What is the primary reason Mr. Bohlen and Adolph Knipe keep the machine a secret?
What does Adolph Knipe suggest about the significance of Mr. Bohlen choosing a magazine button?
What does Adolph Knipe suggest about the significance of Mr. Bohlen choosing a magazine button?
What is the most likely reason for the initial story produced by the machine to be nonsensical?
What is the most likely reason for the initial story produced by the machine to be nonsensical?
What does the physical description of Mr. Bohlen and Adolph Knipe suggest about their roles?
What does the physical description of Mr. Bohlen and Adolph Knipe suggest about their roles?
What does the phrase "Aifkjmbsaoegweztp-pl-nvoqudskigt&,-fuhpekanvbertyuio lkjhgfdsazxcvbnm,pe-ru itrehdjkg mvnb,wmsuy…" most likely represents in the context of the story?
What does the phrase "Aifkjmbsaoegweztp-pl-nvoqudskigt&,-fuhpekanvbertyuio lkjhgfdsazxcvbnm,pe-ru itrehdjkg mvnb,wmsuy…" most likely represents in the context of the story?
What is the significance of the machine being housed in a separate brick building?
What is the significance of the machine being housed in a separate brick building?
When Adolph Knipe says, "That'll keep the secret," what is he most likely referring to?
When Adolph Knipe says, "That'll keep the secret," what is he most likely referring to?
How does Mr. Bohlen's reaction to the machine's output contrast with Adolph Knipe's?
How does Mr. Bohlen's reaction to the machine's output contrast with Adolph Knipe's?
Adolph Knipe argues that mass production is superior even if the quality is inferior because:
Adolph Knipe argues that mass production is superior even if the quality is inferior because:
What is the implied critique of consumer culture in Knipe's comparison of stories to carpets, chairs, and crockery?
What is the implied critique of consumer culture in Knipe's comparison of stories to carpets, chairs, and crockery?
What underlying assumption does Knipe make about the literary market when he suggests undercutting every writer in the country?
What underlying assumption does Knipe make about the literary market when he suggests undercutting every writer in the country?
How does Knipe's vision of a story-producing machine expose a potential conflict between technological advancement and artistic integrity?
How does Knipe's vision of a story-producing machine expose a potential conflict between technological advancement and artistic integrity?
Based on Mr. Bohlen's initial skepticism and eventual interest, what can be inferred about his character?
Based on Mr. Bohlen's initial skepticism and eventual interest, what can be inferred about his character?
What is the significance of Knipe's statement, 'Nowadays, Mr Bohlen, the hand-made article hasn’t a hope'?
What is the significance of Knipe's statement, 'Nowadays, Mr Bohlen, the hand-made article hasn’t a hope'?
How might the creation of a literary agency to distribute machine-produced stories impact the established literary world?
How might the creation of a literary agency to distribute machine-produced stories impact the established literary world?
What does Knipe's exclamation, 'Forty thousand a week!' followed by 'You didn’t get any million a year for building the old electronic calculator, did you, Mr Bohlen?' reveal about his approach to business?
What does Knipe's exclamation, 'Forty thousand a week!' followed by 'You didn’t get any million a year for building the old electronic calculator, did you, Mr Bohlen?' reveal about his approach to business?
What is the most likely reason Mr. Bohlen suggests Knipe take a holiday?
What is the most likely reason Mr. Bohlen suggests Knipe take a holiday?
What is the primary reason Mr. Bohlen is skeptical about Knipe's story-generating machine as a commercial proposition?
What is the primary reason Mr. Bohlen is skeptical about Knipe's story-generating machine as a commercial proposition?
How does Knipe attempt to counter Mr. Bohlen's initial discouragement regarding his writing?
How does Knipe attempt to counter Mr. Bohlen's initial discouragement regarding his writing?
Knipe's reaction to Mr. Bohlen's suggestion of a holiday can best be described as:
Knipe's reaction to Mr. Bohlen's suggestion of a holiday can best be described as:
The phrase 'the wind whistled in the trees, the rain poured down like cats and dogs' exemplifies what literary device?
The phrase 'the wind whistled in the trees, the rain poured down like cats and dogs' exemplifies what literary device?
What underlying assumption does Knipe make when arguing his story-generating machine is a viable commercial venture?
What underlying assumption does Knipe make when arguing his story-generating machine is a viable commercial venture?
What is the significance of Knipe's emphasis on the 'adjustable co-ordinator' in his story-generating machine?
What is the significance of Knipe's emphasis on the 'adjustable co-ordinator' in his story-generating machine?
What does Knipe's sudden shift from discontent to extreme delight suggest about his character?
What does Knipe's sudden shift from discontent to extreme delight suggest about his character?
How does Knipe characterize the stories that are commonly published in magazines?
How does Knipe characterize the stories that are commonly published in magazines?
How does the author use the description of Knipe's physical appearance to contribute to the reader's understanding of his character?
How does the author use the description of Knipe's physical appearance to contribute to the reader's understanding of his character?
What motivates Knipe to create a machine that generates stories, according to his dialogue?
What motivates Knipe to create a machine that generates stories, according to his dialogue?
Knipe's internal monologue, including cursing Mr. Bohlen and the 'great electrical computing machine', reveals:
Knipe's internal monologue, including cursing Mr. Bohlen and the 'great electrical computing machine', reveals:
The statement, 'It’s a delicious idea, but so impracticable it doesn’t really bear thinking about at all,' is an example of:
The statement, 'It’s a delicious idea, but so impracticable it doesn’t really bear thinking about at all,' is an example of:
What prompts Mr. Bohlen's exclamation of "Absolutely impossible, Knipe! Ridiculous!"?
What prompts Mr. Bohlen's exclamation of "Absolutely impossible, Knipe! Ridiculous!"?
What strategic argument does Knipe use to persuade Mr. Bohlen to consider his machine as a valuable investment?
What strategic argument does Knipe use to persuade Mr. Bohlen to consider his machine as a valuable investment?
What is the significance of Knipe's smile after months of not smiling?
What is the significance of Knipe's smile after months of not smiling?
Which of the following best describes why Knipe used fictitious names for some of the stories he created?
Which of the following best describes why Knipe used fictitious names for some of the stories he created?
What primary motivation underlies Mr. Bohlen's increasing desire to write a novel?
What primary motivation underlies Mr. Bohlen's increasing desire to write a novel?
How does Knipe respond to Mr. Bohlen's demand to immediately begin writing a novel?
How does Knipe respond to Mr. Bohlen's demand to immediately begin writing a novel?
What does Mr. Bohlen imply when he accuses Knipe of 'keeping all the best ones' for himself?
What does Mr. Bohlen imply when he accuses Knipe of 'keeping all the best ones' for himself?
Considering the dynamic between Knipe and Mr. Bohlen, what is the most likely reason Knipe is so accommodating to Mr. Bohlen's demands, despite the latter's increasing suspicion and arrogance?
Considering the dynamic between Knipe and Mr. Bohlen, what is the most likely reason Knipe is so accommodating to Mr. Bohlen's demands, despite the latter's increasing suspicion and arrogance?
What can be inferred from the editor's comment on the story with Mr. Bohlen's name on it ('This is a skillful job, but in our opinion it doesn’t quite come off')?
What can be inferred from the editor's comment on the story with Mr. Bohlen's name on it ('This is a skillful job, but in our opinion it doesn’t quite come off')?
If the story continued, what literary device would most likely be employed regarding the machine?
If the story continued, what literary device would most likely be employed regarding the machine?
Considering Knipe's methods and Mr. Bohlen's aspirations, what is the most probable outcome of Mr. Bohlen's desire to write a 'high class intelligent book'?
Considering Knipe's methods and Mr. Bohlen's aspirations, what is the most probable outcome of Mr. Bohlen's desire to write a 'high class intelligent book'?
Flashcards
Who is Adolph Knipe?
Who is Adolph Knipe?
The inventor of the Great Automatic Grammatizator.
Who is Mr. Bohlen?
Who is Mr. Bohlen?
The head of the firm responsible for building the great automatic computing engine.
What is the great automatic computing engine?
What is the great automatic computing engine?
A machine that performs rapid mathematical calculations.
Purpose of the Engine?
Purpose of the Engine?
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How did the papers react?
How did the papers react?
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How does the Engine work?
How does the Engine work?
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What calculations did it solve?
What calculations did it solve?
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What did Mr. Bohlen recommend to Knipe?
What did Mr. Bohlen recommend to Knipe?
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Adolph Knipe
Adolph Knipe
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Mr. Bohlen
Mr. Bohlen
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"A Narrow Escape"
"A Narrow Escape"
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Whiskey
Whiskey
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Epiphany
Epiphany
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Impracticable
Impracticable
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Extreme Delight
Extreme Delight
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Thinking
Thinking
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Magazine Targeting
Magazine Targeting
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Story-Generating Machine
Story-Generating Machine
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Plot-Memory Section
Plot-Memory Section
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Word-Memory Section
Word-Memory Section
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Adjustable Co-ordinator
Adjustable Co-ordinator
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Commercial Proposition
Commercial Proposition
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Writer's Payment
Writer's Payment
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Targeted Story Production
Targeted Story Production
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Brick Building
Brick Building
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Control Panel
Control Panel
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Magazine Selection
Magazine Selection
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First Story
First Story
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Paper Output
Paper Output
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Machine Adjustment
Machine Adjustment
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Story-writing Machine
Story-writing Machine
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Prolific Output
Prolific Output
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Fictitious Authors
Fictitious Authors
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Novel
Novel
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Making a Monkey
Making a Monkey
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High Class Intelligent Book
High Class Intelligent Book
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Overwhelm by Volume
Overwhelm by Volume
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Cost vs. Quality
Cost vs. Quality
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Undercutting
Undercutting
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Corner the Market
Corner the Market
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Stories as Products
Stories as Products
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Literary Agency Front
Literary Agency Front
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Hand-Made vs. Mass-Produced
Hand-Made vs. Mass-Produced
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Automated Story Generation
Automated Story Generation
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Study Notes
- The story is about a man named Adolph Knipe and his invention, The Great Automatic Grammatizator, a machine that can write stories and novels.
- The story takes place in 1954.
Characters
- Adolph Knipe: The inventor of the Great Automatic Grammatizator.
- Mr. Bohlen: The head of the firm of electrical engineers that employs Knipe.
The Great Automatic Grammatizator
- The government ordered the building of the automatic computing engine.
- It is the fastest electronic calculating machine in the world at the time.
- Its function is for satisfying the ever-increasing need of science, industry, and administration for rapid mathematical calculation.
- The machine can provide the correct answer to a problem in five seconds that would take a mathematician a month to solve.
- In three minutes, it can produce a calculation that by hand would fill half a million sheets of foolscap paper.
- The engine uses pulses of electricity, generated at the rate of a million a second.
- It solves all calculations that resolve themselves into addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Knipe's Idea
- Knipe realizes that English grammar is governed by rules that are almost mathematical in their strictness.
- An engine can arrange words in their right order according to the rules of grammar.
- Knipe works intensely, filling his living room with formulae, calculations, lists of words, plots of stories, extracts from Roget's Thesaurus, names from the telephone directory, drawings of wires and circuits, and drawings of machines that could punch holes in little cards and type ten thousand words a minute.
- He creates a kind of control panel with a series of small push-buttons, each one labeled with the name of a famous American magazine.
- Knipe collects his papers and takes them to the offices of John Bohlen Inc.
- Knipe reveals that he wants to be a writer and that he has written hundreds of short stories that have been rejected.
- Knipe explains that his machine can produce any type of story by pressing the required button, as magazines have their own particular type of story.
- The machine can produce a five-thousand-word story, all typed and ready for dispatch, in thirty seconds.
- Knipe suggests they can undercut every writer in the country and corner the market
Bohlen's Reaction
- Bohlen is initially skeptical, but then becomes interested in the commercial possibilities.
- Bohlen suggests they say they are building another mathematical calculator to keep the secret.
The Machine in Action
- Six months later, the machine is completed in a separate brick building.
- No one is allowed near it except Bohlen and Knipe.
- Knipe presses a button for Today's Woman magazine.
- The room fills with a loud humming noise, crackling electric sparks, and the jingle of levers.
- Sheets of paper begin sliding out from a slot, one sheet a second, but the first story produced is gibberish.
- The next try, for Reader's Digest, also produces gibberish, with the words joined together.
- On the third try, for a famous women's magazine, the story is perfect, about a boy who wanted to better himself with his rich employer.
Success and Expansion
- Bohlen agrees to set up a literary agency in an office downtown, with Knipe in charge.
- The agency mails out the first dozen stories, using Knipe's name, Bohlen's name, and invented names.
- Five stories are promptly accepted.
- Knipe slowly increases the output, delivering thirty stories a week and selling about half.
- Knipe becomes known in literary circles, as does Bohlen, but with a not-so-good name.
- The machine is adapted for writing novels, as Bohlen wants greater honors in the literary world.
Novel Writing
- The new control system enables the author to pre-select any type of plot and any style of writing.
- The controls include master buttons for genre, basic buttons for theme, buttons for literary style, and buttons for characters and wordage.
- There are also controls for tension, surprise, humour, pathos, and mystery.
- Foot-pedals control the percentage and intensity of passion to be injected.
- The process is like flying a plane, driving a car, and playing an organ all at the same time.
- Bohlen runs off the first novel, a satirical one, but it comes out "fruity" and "revolting."
- Bohlen then runs off a second novel which goes according to plan, the manuscript is accepted.
Absorbing the Competition
- Knipe's Literary Agency becomes famous.
- Knipe suggests absorbing all the other writers in the country, like Rockefeller did with his oil companies.
- He intends to offer each of the top fifty writers a lifetime contract with pay, in exchange for never writing again and letting the agency use their names.
- Knipe visits the writers, offering them contracts and a suitcase full of sample novels.
- Most reject him, but one female writer signs up after seeing the machine.
- Knipe decides to concentrate only upon mediocrity, as anything better is not so easy to seduce.
Conclusion
- Knipe persuades about seventy percent of the writers to sign the contract
- In the first full year of the machine's operation, it is estimated that at least one half of all the novels and stories published in the English language are produced by Knipe upon the Great Automatic Grammatizator.
- The narrator hints at a dark future, where the secret spreads and more writers are forced to sign contracts, perhaps to prevent their families starving.
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Description
Analysis of Adolph Knipe's demeanor, the computing engine's function, and underlying themes. Assesses Knipe's feelings, technological development, and narrative significance. Explores Mr. Bohlen's perception of Knipe.
