The Machine Stops and the Brave New world

The Machine Stops and the Brave New World

This story appears with very strong message: That even with electronic gadgets like Internet and TV, we should never forget that there are real everyday people who are different and special. We should be careful not to become reliant on something as inhuman as computer and should recognise importance of seeing, hearing, feeling, doing and finding out for ourselves.

The Machine Stops', we are shown possibility of world dominated by machines. In similar way to 'The Terminator' or 'The Matrix', it tells of how humans lose control and are pushed out of life they created. (Burton 23)

The people living in this world have been 'bred' to suit their changing lifestyle. Anything that seems like useful quality in today's world, like bravery, strength, imagination, curiosity, is frowned upon and those genes are avoided for breeding. The new humans are weak, pale images of their ancestors and each generation is increasingly brainwashed by ruling machine. (Seegert 2)

Kuno is rebel of this story. He alone challenges way that his life is set out. Even though he is weak he does not lack courage or curiosity. He makes it his goal to go outside honeycomb, to step upon surface of Earth. This is shock for his mother above all, for she is an idealistic member of Machine's community. However, Kuno strives to achieve his goal, yet when he finally reaches harsh outer air; mending apparatus drags him back. (Seegert 2)

It is revealed by him that he had glimpse of other beings that must surely dwell on surface of planet. When he speaks of this, he manages to plant tiny seed of doubt in Vashti's mind about what they have been taught, and she briefly sees brainwashing that has been taking place. Soon, she is fully aware that being Kuno witnessed outside, was same race as her and was still managing to survive.

Kuno's adventure is beginning of end. It isn't long before machine begins to fail, both in its mechanical systems and its mission to control human population. Small things at first go wrong, and while these are smoothed over for time, they lead to eventual collapse of machine.

The final scene of 'The Machine Stops' brings every living being in honeycomb together, gasping their last breaths together, choking in dark together, and dying, together. (Seegert 2)

If not, we signify our own downfall through our own masterpieces. And there are many possibilities of apocalyptic disaster for our kind. (Seegert 2)

"The Machine Stops" is set in far future, when mankind has come to depend on worldwide Machine for food and housing, communications and medical care. In return, humanity has abandoned earth's surface for life of isolation and immobility. Each person occupies subterranean hexagonal cell where all bodily needs are met and where faith in Machine is chief spiritual prop. People rarely leave their rooms or meet face-to-face; instead they interact through global web that is part of Machine. Each cell contains glowing blue "optic ...