The Machine Stops
Document Type
Book Chapter
Subject
Literature Studies
Publication Date
1909
Course Date
Spring 2023
Course Number
HU 145
Course Title
Themes in the Humanities
Abstract
The Machine Stops describes a world in which almost all humans have lost the ability to live on the surface of the Earth. Each individual lives in isolation in a 'cell', with all bodily and spiritual needs met by the omnipotent, global Machine. Most humans welcome this development, as they are skeptical and fearful of first-hand experience. People forget that humans created the Machine, and treat it as a mystical entity whose needs supersede their own. Those who do not accept the deity of the Machine are viewed as 'unmechanical' and are threatened with "Homelessness". With humans being highly dependable on the Machine, what would happen if the Machine stops?
Copyright
This title is in the public domain in the United States of America. It may still be under copyright protection in other countries, and it is the responsibility of the user to follow the applicable copyright laws in their country.
Recommended Citation
Forster, E. M.. "The Machine Stops." Transcribed from The Eternal Moment and other Stories by E.M. Forster, Sidgwick & Jackson, Ltd. (London, 1928) and The Collected Tales of E.M. Forster, The Modern Library (New York, 1968). 1909. Retrieved from https://commons.erau.edu/db-hu-142-fall2021/1.
Comments
Originally published in 1909.