R.U.R. (Rossum's universal robots)

by Karel Čapek, Karel Čapek

58 pages

English language

Published Nov. 3, 2001 by Dover Publications.

ISBN:: 978-0-486-41926-8

(10 reviews)

"In 1920 Čapek wrote what was to become his most famous work, the play 'R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal Robots)', a meditation on the themes of humanity and subjugation that introduced the 'robot'. He was prolific throughout the 1920s, his plays addressing a range of subjects, although best remembered as a writer of early science fiction. Čapek also dealt with contemporary moral and political issues, including the rise of corporations and European fascism"--

"Determined to liberate the mass-produced but highly intelligent robots forged in the machinery of Rossum's island factory, Helena Glory arrives in a blaze of righteousness. Soon perplexed by the robots' seeming humanity but absolute lack of sentience, she deserts her strident campaigning and falls in love with Domin, the factory's General Manager. Yet even as their life on the island appears to become more comfortable, the tide is turning against the humans ... Drawing huge international attention following its original production in 1921, 'Rossum's Universal Robots' was a strikingly prescient meditation on the themes of humanity and subjugation that were to dominate the twentieth century. Seen as a precursor to works including Huxley's 'Brave New world', it is a true classic of the dystopian genre, and remains all too resonant"--

27 editions

KathyReid reviewed R.U.R. (Rossum's universal robots) by Karel Čapek (Penguin classics)

Review of "R.U.R. (Rossum's universal robots)" on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

This dystopian landmark challenges our notions of what it means to be human, the value of labour and the creation of meaning through struggle and suffering.

While not explicitly Marxist in outlook, it echoes principles put forward by Paulo Freire around the education of oppressed populations. Čapek resolves this tension not with a new relationship between student and teacher, but by eradicating the human race, encouraging us to go back to the beginning of the lesson.

Gender roles are challenged directly, which was prescient given the year in which the book was written - 1920 Czechoslovakia, bordering newly-Bolshevik Russia - which the only female lead of the play at first being portrayed as beautiful, as engaging, but devoid of intellectual power. Čapek challenges us to consider these as uniquely human traits, contrasting with the efficiency and strength and stamina of Rossum's Universal Robots. Ultimately it is the female protagonist - …