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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
reviews.metaphorosis.com
3 stars
Helena, daughter of an industrialist, meets Harry, the manager of Rossum's Unversal Robots (which might better be translated as Rezin's Universal Robots). He tells her all the secrets of robot production, and they grow close. Eventually, the robot situation turns sour.
I think I first heard of RUR from Isaac Asimov's story notes in The Early Asimov. I thought it of historical interest, but for some reason never bothered to try to find the play itself in school libraries. Several decades, I've finally made up for it.
I found the play much more successful than I expected. The characterization is shallow, the attitudes dated, and the motivations extremely thin. But the tone of the piece is largely light, and it's easy reading. None of the ideas it raises are new to today's SF readers, but they remain intriguing. Čapek explores themes from economics to hubris to love, and while he drops many aspects unexamined, the play is still a quick, thoughtful spin through some of the key points.
All in all, a surprisingly fun read, and worth checking out for its historical value.
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
reflective
tense
fast-paced
This play is like The Wild Robot if Roz could shoot people and then the humans proceeded to make bible and shakespeare references about it!
If asked about this book in person, I will not shut up about it. I am filled with so much information and the whimsy of Knowing Things. I desperately wanna dump all of these thoughts unceremoniously into someone's lap.
If asked about this book in person, I will not shut up about it. I am filled with so much information and the whimsy of Knowing Things. I desperately wanna dump all of these thoughts unceremoniously into someone's lap.
This is an amazing play. Written in 1920, it proposes the unintended consequences of widespread introduction of Robots to do the work of mankind. In my Not So Humble Opinion, it should be required reading by everyone on the planet, not to inhibit innovation, but to make people inherently aware of the potential for catastrophe.
It is a quick read, but I suspect it will promote long contemplation. I highly recommend it.
It is a quick read, but I suspect it will promote long contemplation. I highly recommend it.
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The play that introduced the word 'robot' into the English language. Amazing insight into the pros and cons of replacing human workers with robot, especially s the play was written in 1920! Explores what makes us human and the effects of putting profit and science before responsibility.
dark
funny
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Was really interesting to read in a time where machines are becoming much more prominent in our lives and was really thought provoking. Even though it was written in 1920, the language didn't seem as outdated and hard to understand as other older books I've read