My Robot by Henry Slesar (1959)
The story revolves around a young boy reflecting on his childhood experiences with his robot companion, Faw-Faw. Faw-Faw, a creation of the boy's father, serves as a tutor and protector. The boy recalls the comfort and lessons Faw-Faw provided, contrasting them with the strained relationship he had with his parents. His father, a brilliant scientist, is involved in secret government work, which causes tension at home, especially with his mother, who is opposed to the militaristic applications of his father's research. The boy's memories reveal a complex family dynamic, marked by his father's ambition and his mother's fear and disapproval of the potential use of robots as weapons. The boy's longing for Faw-Faw underscores his feelings of loss and nostalgia for a simpler time when the robot was a source of security and companionship.
By Henry Slesar · First published 1959 · Genre: Science Fiction, Horror, Dystopian · 2,062 words
First lines
How I wish Faw-Faw were here! What joy to be a child again, and sit once more in his strong wide lap, and rest my fevered cheek against the cool metal surface of his chest, and let my sticky, stumpy fingers play idly over the buttons of his back, and finally press down the one that brought forth his soothing, smoothing, story-telling voice:
"There was once a shoe-maker who through no fault of his own had become so poor that at last he had only leather enough for one pair of shoes."
What this Textopian page supports
My Robot is listed on Textopian as a short story by Henry Slesar, dated 1959 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Henry Slesar
- Date: 1959 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Horror, Dystopian, Psychological Fiction, Speculative Fiction
- Length: 2,062 words
- Structure: 1 section, 103 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for My Robot by Henry Slesar
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering My Robot?
- How does this short story by Henry Slesar fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
Genres
- Science Fiction — The central role of advanced robotics and futuristic technology in the narrative defines the work as science fiction.
- Horror — The disturbing events, violent imagery, and unsettling atmosphere contribute to a strong horror element throughout the text.
- Dystopian — The depiction of oppressive environments, secretive government projects, and morally ambiguous technological control reflects dystopian themes.
- Psychological Fiction — The exploration of internal trauma, memory, and emotional conflicts in a distressed family dynamic adds a psychological dimension.
Tags
science fiction · robotics · artificial intelligence · futuristic · technology · dystopia · ethical dilemma · speculative fiction · automation · paranoia · narrative twist · existential