The Fun They Had

1. Plot

1.1. Margie and Tommy find a physical book in the attic, which is a novelty in their society where everything is learned through screens.

1.2. Margie dislikes school, especially the mechanical teacher, which gives tests and homework.

1.3. The County Inspector adjusts Margie's mechanical teacher after it performs poorly.

1.4. Margie and Tommy discuss the differences between their modern education and the old-fashioned school described in the book.

1.5. Margie reflects on the communal and interactive nature of the old school system, contrasting it with her isolated and mechanical education.

2. Theme of the Story

2.1. The story is based on the theme of the effects of extreme mechanization and automation of the education system. By contrasting the schools of present day with those expected to exist in the twenty second century, the writer draws the conclusion that the present day schools are fun. Futuristic schools will impart mere knowledge and the students will miss out on the fun they can have while going to the same school, studying the same things, adjusting with the same teacher and being able to help one another. This life experience is fun which will not be available to the students of fully computerized schools

3. Characters:

3.1. Margie

3.2. Tommy

3.3. Margie's Mother

3.4. County Inspector

4. Setting:

4.1. Future society (2157)

4.2. Mechanical teacher

4.3. Telebooks (books displayed on screens)

5. Author:

5.1. Isaac Asimov

5.1.1. Isaac Asimov was an American writer and professor of biochemistry at Boston University. He was known for his works of science fiction and popular science. Asimov was a prolific writer who wrote or edited more than 500 books and an estimated 90,000 letters and postcards. Asimov wrote hard science fiction.