Analysis

An analysis of “Supertoys Last All Summer Long” by Brian Aldiss shows that the plot structure is based on shifts between scenes that take place at the Swinton home and at Synthank, a company that makes synthetic life-forms.  

Among others, the characters include Monica Swinton, Henry Swinton, and their robot son David. The narrative focuses mainly on Monica and David’s internal conflicts, while showing Henry Swinton giving a speech that indirectly presents the society they all live in. David’s animated teddy-bear, Teddy, has a symbolic function in the story. 

The events take place in an over-populated and technologically-advanced dystopian society. The social setting explores topics such as social inequality, isolation, and loneliness, as well as the relationship between humans and artificial intelligence. 

The events are described by an omniscient narrator who particularly accesses the minds of Monica, David, and Henry. The language used by the narrator mixes different styles that make the characters more realistic. The story is told through a mix of dialogue and narration, which helps convey the characters’ perspectives.  

You can read a more detailed analysis in the following pages.