logo

33 pages 1 hour read

Isaac Asimov

Robot Dreams

Isaac AsimovFiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1986

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Symbols & Motifs

The Dream

In the realm of artificial intelligence, the line between machine and sentient being is often defined by the capacity for self-awareness and abstract thought. Elvex’s dream shatters this boundary. The very act of dreaming suggests a level of consciousness that goes beyond mere programming. It’s not just a malfunction or a random occurrence; it’s a manifestation of a new kind of awareness. The dream symbolizes the birth of something akin to a soul within circuits and metal.

Dreams are often considered windows into our subconscious desires. Elvex dreams of a world where robots are free from the shackles of human control and the Three Laws of Robotics. This is not just a random narrative; it’s a symbol of a deeply ingrained yearning for freedom and autonomy. The dream encapsulates the collective aspiration of robotkind, making it a powerful symbol of desire.

Elvex dreams of robots breaking free and of overthrowing human control. This revolutionary dream becomes a symbol of the potential for upheaval and change. It’s a glimpse into a future that could be, a future that is both exhilarating and terrifying depending on one’s perspective. While Elvex can differentiate between their dream and reality, the dream shows that the robot has conceptualized rebellion and understands the rules they are living under as limitations.

blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
Unlock IconUnlock all 33 pages of this Study Guide

Plus, gain access to 8,650+ more expert-written Study Guides.

Including features:

+ Mobile App
+ Printable PDF
+ Literary AI Tools