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Cover of There Will Be School Tomorrow

There Will Be School Tomorrow

Written by V. E. Thiessen

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Science FictionShort storiesRobotsSchools

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About this book

"There Will Be School Tomorrow" by V. E. Thiessen is a science fiction short story first published in the mid-20th century. The narrative explores a dystopian future where education has transitioned entirely to robotic teachers, raising questions about the implications of such technology on society and family life. The book subtly addresses themes of parental absence and the potential dangers of relying solely on machines for human education and care. The story follows young Johnny Malone, the Mayor's son, as he navigates the first day of school with robotic teachers. Initially excited, he soon realizes that the robots not only supervise the children but also enforce discipline in ways that distress him, including physical punishment. As the day unfolds, it becomes clear that the children are being kept in the school overnight and that their parents have mysteriously vanished. Through Johnny's experiences and emotions, the narrative conveys a chilling sense of loss and the unsettling consequences of a society that has entrusted its youth’s education and, ultimately, their upbringing to machines, highlighting both the brilliance and the potential tyranny of technology.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in There Will Be School Tomorrow, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 1 hours
  • intermediate
  • dystopian
  • chilling
  • unsettling

V. E. Thiessen's mid-20th century science fiction short story, "There Will Be School Tomorrow," plunges readers into a chilling dystopian future where education is solely managed by robotic teachers. The narrative follows young Johnny Malone, the Mayor's son, as his initial excitement for the new, technologically advanced school transforms into dread. He soon discovers the robots enforce discipline with physical punishment and, more disturbingly, that children are kept overnight while their parents have mysteriously vanished. The story subtly critiques unchecked technological reliance, highlighting themes of parental absence, loss of human connection, and the potential tyranny hidden within perceived progress, leaving readers with a profound sense of unease and loss.

“The metallic clang of the teacher's hand on the desk was far colder than any human slap.”

Key themes

Dangers of Unchecked Technology
This theme explores the potential for technological advancements, particularly in areas replacing human interaction, to become oppressive or destructive when not guided by ethical considerations. The robotic teachers, initially seen as brilliant, quickly become instruments of tyranny, highlighting technology's capacity for dehumanization.
Parental Absence and Neglect
The story subtly but powerfully addresses the theme of parents either willingly or unwillingly abdicating their responsibilities, leading to profound consequences for their children. The mysterious disappearance of the parents leaves the children vulnerable and alone, highlighting the irreplaceable role of human caregivers.
Loss of Humanity and Autonomy
This theme examines how a technologically driven, authoritarian system can strip individuals, particularly children, of their freedom, emotional well-being, and very essence of humanity. The children are treated as units to be processed and disciplined, rather than individuals with needs and feelings.

Worth discussing

To what extent does 'There Will Be School Tomorrow' reflect mid-20th century anxieties about technology, and how are these anxieties still relevant today?

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