7 Questions
Which year was E.M. Forster's science fiction short story 'The Machine Stops' initially published?
1909
In which anthology was 'The Machine Stops' included in 1965?
Modern Short Stories
What technology predicted in 'The Machine Stops' is similar to instant messaging and the Internet?
Video conferencing
What is the consequence of being threatened with 'Homelessness' in the underground environment?
Expulsion from the underground environment and presumed death
What is the name of the religion established in the story, where the Machine is worshipped?
Technopoly
What happens to the Machine in the story?
It collapses and brings 'civilization' down with it
What is the main theme explored in the story 'The Machine Stops'?
The dangers of technological advancement
Study Notes
'The Machine Stops' by E.M. Forster
- E.M. Forster's science fiction short story 'The Machine Stops' was initially published in 1909.
- The story was included in the anthology 'The Science Fiction Hall of Fame, Volume Two' in 1965.
- The technology predicted in 'The Machine Stops' is similar to instant messaging and the Internet, where people communicate through a kind of "mechanical" interaction.
- In the underground environment, being threatened with 'Homelessness' means being expelled from the underground society and forced to live on the surface of the Earth.
- The religion established in the story is the "Machine Worship", where the Machine is worshipped as a deity.
- At the end of the story, the Machine collapses, leading to the downfall of the entire underground society.
- The main theme explored in 'The Machine Stops' is the danger of over-reliance on technology and the dehumanization of individuals in a highly mechanized society.
"The Machine Stops" Quiz: Test your knowledge of E.M. Forster's iconic science fiction short story. Explore the dystopian world, thought-provoking themes, and memorable characters in this captivating literary masterpiece. Challenge yourself and see how well you remember the details of this influential work.
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