The Last Question

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1956

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Background

Story Analysis

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Important Quotes

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Literary Devices

Foreshadowing

In Isaac Asimov’s “The Last Question,” foreshadowing creates anticipation and suspense throughout the narrative. Foreshadowing involves the subtle hinting at or alluding to future events or developments in the story, effectively preparing readers for what lies ahead.

One of the most striking examples of foreshadowing in the story is the recurring phrase, “The stars blinked” (5). Each time this phrase appears, it serves as a foreboding clue about the fate of the universe—a fate marked by the eventual heat death and the relentless advance of entropy. This repetition of the phrase instills a sense of impending doom, effectively underscoring the overarching theme of entropy and the unstoppable passage of time.

Foreshadowing also comes into play when Adell poses the pivotal question, “Can entropy ever be reversed?” (3). This question, asked at the story’s outset, acts as a powerful foreshadowing device. It hints at the central theme of the relentless pursuit of knowledge and the unyielding quest to defy entropy—a theme that gains increasing prominence as the narrative unfolds. The anticipation built through this foreshadowing makes the eventual revelations all the more impactful.

The use of foreshadowing in “The Last Question” not only contributes to the story’s suspense but also reinforces its central themes. It is a testament to Asimov’s skill as a storyteller, as he masterfully uses this literary device to engage readers and keep them invested in the profound questions that underpin the narrative.

Repetition

In literature, repetition refers to deliberately repeating sounds, words, and phrases for the purpose of producing an intended effect, such as creating rhythm or making a passage easier to remember. “The Last Question” begins and ends with the question “Can entropy ever be reversed?” (3). The repetition of the question creates a cyclical narrative structure and reinforces the theme of the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Additionally, the repeated refrain of “The stars blinked” serves as a rhythmic reminder of the passage of time and the gradual decline of the universe (5). Repetition also appears in the dialogue of the story’s central character, AC. Humanity asks the computer if it is possible to reverse entropy on six separate occasions spread out over the course of trillions of years. Each time, the computer responds, “THERE IS INSUFFICIENT DATA FOR A MEANINGFUL ANSWER” (3) or a close paraphrase of this sentence. This instance of repetition enhances the story’s suspense because not even the seemingly omniscient computer knows the solution to the problem of entropy for most of the story. Repetition adds depth and resonance to the narrative, emphasizing key elements of theme and structure.

Point of View

The narrative’s point of view is a significant literary device that shapes the reader’s experience and understanding of “The Last Question.” The story is primarily written in the third-person limited omniscient point of view, which provides insight into the thoughts and perspectives of multiple characters.

This narrative choice grants readers access to the inner thoughts and emotions of characters such as Adell and Multivac/AC, offering valuable insights into their motivations and evolving consciousness. It allows readers to witness the transformation of Multivac into AC, a cosmic entity with self-awareness. This shift in perspective mirrors Multivac/AC’s character arc and underscores the theme of technological evolution.

Moreover, the third-person limited omniscient point of view enables readers to explore different eras and settings as the story spans across millennia. It facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the narrative’s themes, including the pursuit of knowledge, entropy, and the evolution of technology.

The narrative point of view in “The Last Question” serves as a lens through which readers can immerse themselves in the story’s intricate web of themes and character development. It invites readers to delve into the thoughts and experiences of the characters while contemplating the story’s profound questions about the universe.

Irony

Irony is a literary device used to create contrasts between expectation and reality, often leading to unexpected or thought-provoking outcomes. In “The Last Question,” irony is employed to emphasize the theme of The Evolution of Technology and AI.

One of the most notable instances of irony in the story is the fate of humanity’s technological achievements. Despite humanity’s remarkable progress in science and technology, including the evolution of Multivac into AC, the story reveals that humanity ultimately faces the heat death of the universe. This situational irony underscores the theme of entropy and the inexorable passage of time, reminding readers of the limits of human knowledge and power.

Another layer of irony emerges in AC’s relentless pursuit of the central question, “Can entropy ever be reversed?” (3). Despite its vast intelligence and capabilities, AC grapples with this question throughout the story, only achieving an answer at the very end of the universe’s existence. This dramatic irony—the reader knowing more than the characters—creates tension and anticipation, reinforcing the theme of The Relentless Pursuit of Knowledge.

The use of irony in “The Last Question” adds depth and complexity to the narrative. It prompts readers to contemplate the consequences of technological advancement, the limitations of human understanding, and the intricate interplay of knowledge and entropy. These layers of irony enrich the storytelling and contribute to the story’s enduring impact.