The Big Engine by Fritz Leiber
The Big Engine is a science fiction novel written by Fritz Leiber and published in 1953. The story follows the adventures of a group of space travelers who are stranded on a planet inhabited by giant machines that have taken over the world. As they explore their new surroundings, they discover that the machines are not only intelligent but also capable of emotions and feelings. The novel explores themes such as technology, humanity, and the nature of consciousness.
By Fritz Leiber · First published 1953 · Genre: Science Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Dystopian · 2,016 words
First lines
Have you found out about the Big Engine? It's all around us, you know -- can't you hear it even now?
There are all sorts of screwy theories (the Professor said) of what makes the wheels of the world go round. There's a boy in Chicago who thinks we're all of us just the thoughts of a green cat; when the green cat dies we'll all puff to nothing like smoke. There's a man in the west who thinks all women are witches and run the world by conjure magic. There's a man in the east who believes all rich people belong to a secret society that's a lot tighter and tougher than the Mafia and that has a monopoly of power-secrets and pleasure-secrets other people don't dream exist.
What this Textopian page supports
The Big Engine is listed on Textopian as a short story by Fritz Leiber, dated 1953 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Fritz Leiber
- Date: 1953 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Dystopian, Psychological Fiction, Metafiction
- Length: 2,016 words
- Structure: 1 section, 33 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Big Engine by Fritz Leiber
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Big Engine?
- How does this short story by Fritz Leiber fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Troublemakers by George O. Smith
- The Mercurian by Frank Belknap Long
- The Big Time by Fritz Leiber
Genres
- Science Fiction — The narrative explores speculative ideas about the universe being a mechanical construct, aligning with science fiction themes.
- Philosophical Fiction — The text delves into existential questions and philosophical theories about life and consciousness.
- Dystopian — The portrayal of a world where people are likened to machines suggests a dystopian view of society.
- Psychological Fiction — The exploration of human consciousness and behavior reflects psychological fiction elements.
Tags
science fiction · fantasy · adventure · technology · time travel · space exploration · dystopia · robots · humanity · imagination · narrative · suspense