25 pages • 50 minutes read
Isaac AsimovThe Last Question
Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1956A 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
Light and Darkness
In “The Last Question,” light and darkness serve as motifs for the pursuit of knowledge and entropy, respectively. Light is often associated with knowledge and understanding. The story’s human characters are deeply concerned about light in the form of the stars that are doomed to burn out. Conversely, darkness serves as a motif for the theme of entropy and the gradual decay of the universe. As the stars blink out one by one, darkness encroaches, mirroring the increase in entropy and the inexorable passage of time. The motif of darkness reinforces the inescapable fate of all things in the universe. When AC utters the words “Let there be light”(16), the computer reverses entropy and creates a new universe. This signifies not only the birth of a new cosmos but also the triumph of knowledge over ignorance. The motif of light underscores the theme of the relentless pursuit of knowledge, suggesting that the quest for understanding can dispel the darkness of uncertainty and entropy. The twin motifs of light and darkness make important contributions to the story’s resolution and overall meaning by emphasizing the story’s contrasts between knowledge and entropy and between hope and despair.
The Central Question
The central question posed by various characters and entities in the story, “Can entropy ever be reversed?” (3), serves as a potent symbol that encapsulates the overarching themes of knowledge, technology, and the inexorable passage of time.
This symbol represents humanity’s insatiable thirst for knowledge and understanding. It is the driving force behind the actions of characters like Adell and Multivac/AC. The question symbolizes the relentless pursuit of answers to fundamental mysteries, even in the face of the universe’s eventual decay. It reflects humanity’s determination to explore the unknown and challenge the boundaries of knowledge.
The evolving significance of the central question mirrors the character arcs in the story. Initially, it is a simple inquiry posed by Adell, but as time progresses, it becomes a profound symbol of humanity’s enduring quest for enlightenment. AC’s ongoing contemplation of this question, even as the universe approaches its end, underscores the theme of the relentless pursuit of knowledge.
The central question also serves as a symbol of hope and possibility. When AC finally answers the question with “Let there be light” (16), it represents the triumph of knowledge over entropy and the potential for rebirth. This symbolism adds layers of meaning to the narrative, highlighting the power of human curiosity and the capacity for technology to challenge the laws of the universe.
The Stars Blinked
The recurring motif of “The stars blinked” consistently reminds readers of the passage of time and the gradual decline of the universe (5). This motif is closely tied to the theme of entropy and the inexorable march toward heat death.
As the story unfolds, the motif is repeated at key moments, marking significant transitions in the narrative. Each time the stars blink, it symbolizes the irreversible increase in entropy and the fading of the universe’s energy. This motif adds a sense of inevitability and foreboding to the story, reinforcing the theme of time’s relentless progression.
The evolving meaning of this motif reflects the story’s themes and character arcs. Initially, it is a simple observation of cosmic events, but as the narrative progresses, it takes on a more profound significance. The motif serves as a constant reminder of the universe’s fate, highlighting the vulnerability of humanity and its struggle against the forces of entropy.
Related Titles
By Isaac Asimov
