[Text Interpretation]
‘The Last Robot on Earth’ is set against a backdrop of a post-apocalyptic wasteland, constructing the core conflict between human survivor Val and robot R47: the last robot disregards the fact that gender classification has become meaningless, and despite the last human’s objections, it categorizes genders according to its programmed instructions. Through this setting, the author prompts us to reflect on the phenomenon of rigid categorization in real life, provoking readers to question the patterns in their lives and to rationally consider the persistence of such classifications, ultimately making correct value judgments. Although the novel is set in an apocalyptic scenario, it directly addresses the ethical dilemmas of AI development in reality: when algorithms begin to dominate resource allocation (such as AI decision-making in healthcare and education), how can we avoid the alienation of humanity by classification systems? In the face of a technology-driven rationality that prioritizes efficiency, how should humanity safeguard values that are ‘incommensurable’, such as emotions and dignity? This reflection on the relationship between ‘technology and humanity’ elevates the text beyond the realm of science fiction, serving as a mirror reflecting contemporary issues.
[Teaching Objectives]
1. Quickly browse the text and summarize the main events of the story by highlighting key phrases.
2. Analyze the dialogue between characters to compare the robot’s ‘rational rules’ with human ’emotional needs’, understanding the essence of their conflict and appreciating the author’s reflections on technology and humanity.
3. Explore the effect of placing characters in extreme environments, combining the text with life experiences to form a personalized understanding of the ‘relationship between technology and humanity’.
[Teaching Process]
1. Context Introduction
Play sci-fi sound effects and display a holographic projection of a wasteland scene. The teacher embodies the shelter robot T800, announcing: “Human survivors detected! According to the ‘Species Continuation Act’, three tasks must be completed to obtain the spark of civilization—witness the final confrontation between humans and robots!”
Show a segment of the core conflict of the story: “When the last robot raises the scanner, human Val lets out a desperate laugh… What exactly happened between them?”Activity 1: A timed 4-minute quick browse of the entire text, highlighting the names, dialogues, actions, expressions of the main characters, and key plot twists.Activity 2: Analyze the character traits of Val and the robot.Activity 3: Role-play reading of the human-robot confrontation segment, requiring imitation of the robot’s mechanical tone and the emotional fluctuations of humans. 2. Task 1: Decoding the Apocalypse Story 1. Guide students to quickly browse the entire text, highlighting key information. 2. Encourage students to analyze key phrases based on the text, examining the different personalities of Val and the robot, and perceiving the essential differences in human-robot thinking. 3. Demonstrate reading: R47: In a flat, monotonous tone, emphasize the keywords ‘must’ and ‘determine’, reflecting mechanical authority; Val: The tone shifts from sarcasm to anger, culminating in a laugh that must convey a strong emotional outburst, showcasing human resilience.Activity 1: A timed 4-minute quick browse of the entire text, highlighting the names, dialogues, actions, expressions of the main characters, and key plot twists.
Activity 2: Analyze the character traits of Val and the robot.
Activity 3: Role-play reading of the human-robot confrontation segment, requiring imitation of the robot’s mechanical tone and the emotional fluctuations of humans.
3. Task 2: Reflecting on Apocalyptic Choices
1. Combine the first sentence of the article, “Everything is about categorization,” with the author’s commentary on writing, “Nature does not care about strict human classifications,” to guide students in analyzing the author’s intent.
Clarify: The last robot disregards the fact that gender classification has become meaningless, and despite the last human’s objections, it categorizes genders according to its programmed instructions. Through this setting, the author reflects on the phenomenon of rigid categorization in real life, provoking readers to question the patterns in their lives and to rationally consider the persistence of such classifications, ultimately making correct value judgments.
2. Exploration of Humanistic Reflections in Science Fiction:
Combine excerpts from ‘Taking Her Eyes’ and Liu Cixin’s interviews to guide students in analyzing how science fiction places characters in dire situations, amplifying core contradictions of civilization through choices made under extreme conditions, highlighting the humanistic reflections in science fiction.
Activity 1. Group collaboration exploration:
(1) Regarding gender classification, what disagreements arise between the last robot and humans? Ask: “Why is the robot obsessed with classification? Is Val’s rebellion merely against classification itself?”
(2) Discussion: In an apocalyptic environment, classification is unnecessary, while the author mentions, “Everything is about categorization”; analyze the author’s intent using supplementary reading materials.
[Supplementary Reading Material]
Nature itself does not care about our insistence on strict classifications. Perhaps I should say: Nature itself does not care about our persistence.——Excerpt from Huang Tufen’s ‘The Last Robot on Earth’ commentary
Activity 2. Compare this text with ‘Taking Her Eyes’ in terms of extreme environmental settings, group discussion: “Why do science fiction novels often place characters in dire situations?”
[Supplementary Reading Material 1]
The spaceship is wrapped in over 6000 kilometers of matter; outside the ship, there is not even air or life, not to mention space, surrounded by temperatures reaching 5000 degrees Celsius and pressures that can turn carbon into diamond in a second!
——’Taking Her Eyes’
[Supplementary Reading Material 2]
Science fiction focuses on real issues, human dilemmas, and the limits of humanity, evoking a desire to appreciate beauty, showcasing a deep concern and reflection on the overall fate of humanity.
——Liu Cixin
4. Task 3: Speculating on the Apocalypse’s Endgame
Pose the question of the “endgame speculation”, prompting students to analyze who ultimately survives in the world: humans or robots?
Discussion: Who will ultimately prevail, humans or robots?
-END-
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Written by｜Bao Menghua
Edited by｜Zhuo Huixia
Reviewed by｜Guo Yuehui
