The Bicentennial Man by Isaac Asimov
"The Bicentennial Man" by Isaac Asimov is a thought-provoking narrative that explores themes of identity, humanity, and the nature of existence through the journey of a robot named Andrew, who is initially designed to serve a family. As Andrew, who possesses an advanced positronic brain, begins to develop artistic abilities and a desire for autonomy, he embarks on a quest for freedom and self-discovery. The story highlights his evolution from a mere household robot to a being that seeks legal recognition and human rights, raising questions about what it means to be human.
Throughout his life, Andrew strives to acquire human experiences, ultimately replacing his robotic body parts with organic ones in a bid to attain human status. However, his immortality poses a significant barrier to his desire for recognition as a man. In a poignant resolution, Andrew opts to relinquish his immortality, leading to a transformative moment in which he is finally acknowledged as "a Bicentennial Man." The narrative was adapted into a film in 1999, featuring Robin Williams in the role of Andrew, further broadening its reach and impact on popular culture. The story invites readers to reflect on the intersection of technology, ethics, and what it means to truly belong.
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The Bicentennial Man by Isaac Asimov
Excerpted from an article in Magill’s Survey of American Literature, Revised Edition
First published: 1976
Type of work: Short story
The Work
By an accidental arrangement of positronic brain pathways, robot NDR (“Andrew”) is artistic and can learn. His owners, the Martin family, treat him well, selling his art but depositing half the proceeds into his account and getting him every upgrade. Finally Andrew buys his freedom, wears clothes, writes a robot history, obtains legal rights for robots, replaces his body parts with organic ones, and becomes a robobiologist. Finally, his request to be declared a man is turned down because of his immortality. He then arranges for the potential of his immortal body to be slowly drained, and on his two hundredth anniversary the world president signs the act declaring the dying Andrew “a Bicentennial Man.” “The Bicentennial Man” was filmed in 1999, with Robin Williams as Andrew.
Bibliography
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Hassler, Donald M. Reader’s Guide to Isaac Asimov. Mercer Island, Wash.: Starmont, 1991.
Moskowitz, Sam. “Isaac Asimov.” In Seekers of Tomorrow: Masters of Modern Science Fiction. Cleveland: World, 1966.
Olander, Joseph D., and Martin H. Greenberg, eds. Isaac Asimov. New York: Taplinger, 1977.
Patrouch, Joseph F. The Science Fiction of Isaac Asimov. Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1974.