The Machine Stops
E. M. Forster's short story seems to represent the idea that technology is destructive to the relationships people have with each other. Perhaps the story acts as a prediction of the future, considering that technology is advancing so quickly. Vashti prefers to sit in her room with only the Machine to keep her company, rather than engaging with people or nature. I find this aspect of the story especially interesting because, usually, younger people are criticized for using technology excessively. In this story, however, Vashti and her son, Kuno, play opposite roles. Vashti mentions the "Central Committee" as well while Kuno refuses to speak of his expedition to the surface of the earth over the Machine, which leads me to believe the Committee is monitoring all of the civilians. The presence of the Committee could represent the government trying to subdue people using the NSA. Thus, Forster's story suggests that a rise in technology would diminish our privacy and sub...