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Lesson 10: Non-Realistic Stories: “Super Toys Last All Summer” by Brian Aldiss (There is a film adaptation of this story: A. I.: Artificial Intelligence)
I.Read:
First read and study the terms anddefinitions provided here. Then, read the story “Super Toys Last All Summer” by Brian Aldiss.

Remember to go to the Resource: Required Readings, and click over the title of the story. You will betaken to the story and will be able to read it right away.

Non-Realistic Stories:
For the purpose of writing a different kind of story, or because the writer wants to emphasize or criticizecertain aspects of society or human nature, sometimes modern writers mix magic or non-realistic elements within the context of realistic storytelling. This is a Science Fiction story which contain manynon-realistic elements. The theme, setting, conflict, and even the characterization are realistic, but some non-realistic, incredible, "magic" element is added to the story. For example, in IsabelAllende's Casa de los Espiritus, in which a ghost appears. Readers are supposed to read the story and try to understand the purpose of that magic element without trying to explain it in a realistic way.Remember: Although you don't have to send me the answers to the Study Guide Questions, you must try to answer all of them. Answering these questions will help you understand the readings, and prepareyou for the test. Test questions will be selected from these questions.

II.Discuss the following questions:

1. From what point of view is the story told? Why is it more effective than if oneof the characters had narrated the story in the first person?

2. Discuss at least two different kinds of irony found in the story. (Check out the definition of Irony). Why is it more effectivethan if David or Monica had told his/her own story in the first person?

3. In what kind of world are these people living?

4. What is a super-toy?

5. Henry Swinton is presenting a newkind of...