The Machine Stops Themes

In “The Machine Stops,” an environmental catastrophe has apparently left Earth’s surface inhospitable to human life. Because of this, humanity has retreated into private underground pods where people live their lives entirely dependent on a technological system called “the Machine.” The Machine meets all their basic survival needs (like pumping air and delivering food), in addition to entertaining them and helping them virtually socialize. There is no need—and for most people, little desire—to…

In the story’s futuristic setting, Earth’s surface is apparently no longer habitable. People live underground and depend on a technological system called “the Machine” to provide them with air to breathe, food to eat, and entertainment. The Machine has grown increasingly complex over the years, to the point that no one truly understands how it works. It seems almost divine in its mystery and power, so most people—including Vashi, the story’s central…

In the future society depicted in “The Machine Stops,” human relationships have become shallow and artificial because they are entirely mediated by a technological system known as the Machine. In this world, everyone lives in individual underground rooms, rarely ever seeing others in person. Instead, they communicate through the Machine, using long-distance calling that conveys images and sound. In this way, the Machine makes it much easier to stay in touch with a large…

The dystopian society of “The Machine Stops” illustrate the dangers of valuing rationality too highly over human emotions. The people in this society live underground in isolated pods, and a complex technological system called the Machine provides all of their needs and facilitates all communication. Most people in this society, such as the main character, Vashti, value “ideas” but fail to recognize that ideas detached from experience and feelings become stagnant and lifeless. There…