“The Obsolete Man” tells the story of a man named John, living in a dystopian society where individualism and independent thought are considered crimes. John is deemed obsolete by the state and sentenced to death because of his occupation as a librarian, a profession that is no longer necessary in the government-controlled society. As his execution approaches, John uses his final moments to challenge the laws and beliefs of the society that has condemned him. He confronts the Chancellor, demanding to be seen as a human being with value, regardless of his perceived usefulness to the state. In a climactic twist, John turns the tables on the Chancellor, revealing that he has locked them both in a room rigged with explosives. In the end, John chooses to die on his own terms, demonstrating the power of individualism and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression. Through this powerful narrative, “The Obsolete Man” explores themes of conformity, rebellion, and the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Image by Ai Junkie
