why did Margie call the book that Tommy found a real book Related: Ch...
Why did Margie call the book that Tommy found a real book?
In the short story "The Fun They Had" by Isaac Asimov, Margie and Tommy, two children in the year 2157, are discussing their differences in education. Margie goes to a virtual school while Tommy discovers an old book in his attic. When Tommy shows Margie the book, she calls it a "real book" because it is physical, unlike the virtual textbooks they use in their classes.
The Significance of Physical Books
Margie's statement highlights the importance of physical books in the past and the value of tangible learning materials. In the futuristic world of the story, children are taught through machines that project lessons onto a screen, and they do not have the experience of holding a book or turning real pages. Tommy's discovery of the book shows that there is something special about physical books and the way they can be used to learn and explore.
The Theme of Change
The story also explores the idea of change and how it affects education. Margie is accustomed to her virtual school and finds it difficult to understand the concept of a traditional school where children physically go to a building and learn in a classroom. Tommy, on the other hand, is fascinated by the idea of a physical school and book. The juxtaposition of the two characters' experiences highlights the theme of change and how it can be difficult for some people to adapt.
The Value of Human Interaction
Another theme that can be inferred from Margie's statement is the value of human interaction in education. Margie's virtual school lacks the personal connection and socialization that can come from a physical school. The book that Tommy finds is full of stories about children attending school together and learning from a teacher, which is a concept that is foreign to Margie.
Conclusion
Margie's statement that the book Tommy found is a "real book" highlights the importance of physical books, the theme of change, and the value of human interaction in education. Asimov's story explores these ideas through the eyes of two children in a futuristic world where education has drastically changed.