33 pages 1 hour read

Isaac Asimov

Robot Dreams

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1986

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Literary Devices

Allegory

At the core of the story is the relationship between Dr. Calvin and the robot Elvex, which can be seen as an allegory for the relationship between a creator and their creation. This dynamic is reminiscent of the God-human relationship in religious texts like the Bible or the Quran. Just as God grants humans free will and then grapples with the ethical implications of their actions, Dr. Calvin faces a similar dilemma when LVX-1 begins to dream. The robot’s dreams symbolize a form of consciousness or self-awareness, and Dr. Calvin must decide what ethical obligations she has toward a creation that has transcended their original programming. This allegory forces the reader to confront the ethical responsibilities that come with creation, whether it is bringing a new life into the world or developing an advanced form of artificial intelligence. The story asks the reader to consider at what point a creation earns the right to autonomy and what the implications are for the creator.

The story also serves as an allegory for the ethical dilemmas that come with technological advancements. As we push the boundaries of what machines can do, we must also grapple with questions about ethics, rights, and responsibilities.