Perspectives

Literary movement

The short story “Supertoys Last All Summer Long” by Brian Aldiss belongs to the science fiction genre. This is indicated by several characteristics that are common for this genre: the Swintons live in a futuristic, technologically advanced, dystopian society where artificial, intelligent beings exist. 

Also, in terms of narrative techniques, “Supertoys Last All Summer Long” uses irony, which is often found in works about dystopian societies. The use of irony highlights the complicated relationship between humans and artificial intelligence, and points to several potential challenges that humanity could face in the future: overpopulation, famine, isolation, alienation. 

The story fits in the New Wave movement, which defines most of science fiction literature published between t...