A review by aprilconnolly
The Machine Stops by E.M. Forster

reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Another short story I read with my class. I really do love Forster's writing. 
When you think about the fact that this was written in 1909, it is incredible the amount of things he got right. The conveneince of modern society. The dependence on technology. The social isolution that results from that dependence. Incredible. 
I couldn't help making connections to other forms of media that have attempting to depict this- like the Pixar film Wall-E, with the earthlings who float around in hover chairs staring at screens all day. 
I also found the connections that one can make between blind faith and modern society to be disturbing. When we make a God of things that are of Earth then we will get ourselves in so much trouble. I'm not a fan of religion in general, but at least when you worship something other worldly, and divine, you can only get so close to it. it is an ideal, something unattainable, to strive towards. But the Machine is made by man, and has now risen above it. A holy idol. This made me think of the blind faith that Republicans have in Trump. That it doesn't matter what he does wrong they have to keep believing in him, otherwise their whole life will no longer make sense. 
Anyway, this story had me thinking a lot and I hope it gets my students thinking a lot! I'm looking forward to our discussion class.