Amazingly, almost a hundred years ago, Forster had an uncanny ability to predict exactly how technology would develop and how it would change not only our way of looking at it but more importantly how it changes our lives. In his novella ?The Machine Stops?, the Machine is the ultimate

technological advancement that provided all needs for humankind. Aside from the necessities such as food and clothing, the Machine provided humankind with a different way to connect with each other, a way that leads to complete isolation. People rarely leave their rooms or meet face-to-face; instead they exchange through a global web that is part of the Machine. Each cell contains a glowing blue optic plate and telephone apparatus, which carry images and sounds among individuals and groups. This boost of technology increases the accessibility to others even from far away, but diminishes the purpose of personal interactions. Forster also realizes that the quality of personal connection depends on the quantity-often inversely. The more people one knows the easier it is to replace them. In other words, too many connections devalue each one of them and they become less of a concern. Vashti, writes Forster, "knew several thousand people; in certain directions human communication had advanced enormously."(Pg115) In his novella, Forster thinks of technology that is being developed more and more as a means to physically removes humankind from one another. Eventually humankind incorporates this detachment from each other into their social rules and norms. Not only does the way of communication changes, but also the living standards. ?Imagine, if you can, a small room, hexagonal in shape, like the cell of a bee. It is lighted neither by window nor by lamp.?(Pg115) These millions and millions of small cells are identical and are where humankind dwells. Through these images that Forster is presenting to the readers, these cells can be closely related to those in a jail. While the Machine blindfolds Vashti and the rest of society, Kuno on the other hand is moving towards the opposite direction. He understands how the Machine turns causes segregation to society. He does not want such a thing. He doesn?t believe in the Machine, but rather the opposite. He craves the personal interactions, the direct exchange of ideas and a true relationship with his mother Vashti. The Machine ?has robbed us of the sense of space and of the sense of touch, it has blurred every human relation and it has paralyzed our bodies and our wills?(Pg141) says Kuno. He wants to free himself from society and the Machine. Humankind is missing too much due to the isolation placed on them by the Machine.

Another problem Forster sees with the eruption of new technology as it flows out the pores of humans, is the loss of individual human uniqueness. Throughout the entire novella, Forster gives the readers a consistent image of human impartiality. From the material point of view, everything humans use in their day to day lives is the same. This includes the cells and "beds of

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Approximate Word count = 1860
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)