Manners of the Age

"Manners of the Age" by H. B. Fyfe is a science fiction story written in the early 1950s. Set in a future Earth where human populations have significantly declined, the narrative explores themes of isolation and societal transformation through the life of Robert, a man living among robots in a nearly deserted world. With the backdrop of advanced technology and automation, Fyfe examines the remnants of human behavior and manners in a society largely devoid of human interaction. The story follows Robert as he navigates his solitary existence, filled with robotic companions, and his contrasting encounter with Marcia-Joan, a woman who embodies the remnants of human culture he both longs for and resents. Their interactions highlight the struggles of adapting to a world where traditional societal norms have eroded, complicating Robert’s previously self-sufficient lifestyle. As he attempts to assert control and regain some semblance of human connection, the friction between the two characters reveals the absurdity of their situation and exposes deeper reflections on independence, societal expectations, and the complexities of human relationships in a technologically advanced age.