The Fun They Had

Asimov was a secular humanist and wrote this story during a time of profound technological, scientific, and social upheaval. How does Asimov use this story to promote themes of secular humanism? How does this relate to the historical context during which it was written?

“The Fun They Had” frequently uses irony. What narrative purpose does this accomplish in the text? How does the use of irony succeed or fail at communicating the story’s themes? Consider specific examples from the text.

Describe how each of Margie’s relationships in the story contributes to her feelings of isolation and loneliness.

The mechanical teacher is Asimov’s version of a computer that can provide fully automated remote learning. In what ways might this concept have impacted readers during the time of the story’s original publication in 1951? How does the concept differ from its impact on contemporary readers? Give specific examples from historical and current events that explain these differences.

This story’s underlying premise is that society has adopted a remote, automated model of education. What benefits does this model have over the old, standard model of public education? What downsides does it have? Do you think that the benefits outweigh the detriments? Use the text to support your answer.

How have the social dynamics changed in Margie’s time between children and parents, children and peers, and children and other adult authority figures? What informs these differences?

The juxtaposition of past and present symbols is a recurring literary device in this story. Why does Asimov use this device? How does it suggest readers should interpret the relationship between the past and the present? In particular, consider how Margie’s unreliable, immature perspective and the frequency of incorrect incomplete information she and Tommy have about the past affect their own interpretations within the story.

Asimov is often credited with astutely anticipating potential technological advancements and their consequences in his science fiction. Many have drawn the connection between this story and the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced public education to adopt remote learning options enabled by technology. How does Asimov’s depiction of this possibility nearly 70 years ahead of this event compare to changes in education and remote learning that actually happened? Do you think his predictions were accurate? Explain why or why not.