Question

Write 1-2 sentences explaining what you think about the theme of "What's expected of us" by Ted Chiang and whether or not this theme is still relevant today.

Answer 1

Answer:

Being that this is a dystopic world in which a small device is used to send a signal from the future. This is about Free Will and how it really does not exist. You really do not have free will and you are oppressed and have no control over your own life. The future is set. The story shows that Free Will is a myth. The future is already determined.

Explanation:

I like dystopian stories, but the reality is that it would be horrible to have to suffer and live through someone else always controlling you and your every move and every thought. Does History really repeat itself or are we receiving messages from the future like in the story. People have no more vitality in their lives. They even stop eating. They become very lethargic.

I can see how this would relate to our world of instant everything - we want it now- type of world. We take for granted all of the choices we can actually make on our own.