Summary of ‘The Fun They Had’ by Isaac Asimov

The story begins with two children named, Margie and Tommy. It takes place in the world of the future
where computers dominate everything. Moreover, it also shows how the concept of schools and
classrooms has transformed completely.

It’s the year 2157, and Margie is writing in her diary about how Tommy found a book. This book was of
Tommy’s grandfather when he was a little kid. Margie learns about how they use to print all the stories
on paper back then.

Further, they read the book themselves and find the feeling of turning pages over rather funny. It was
funny because they were not in the habit of reading still words, only ones in motion that too on a
screen. We learn that in the future, there are no books, only telebooks. They store them in TV sets and
computers.

After that, it takes an interesting turn when they discuss school. Margie learns that schools were very
different back then. They had actual persons who were teachers. It is surprising because she has only
robots which teach her.

Moreover, she does not like school because of a lot of reasons. The school she studies in does not have
any classmates. In fact, it doesn’t even have recess or playground.

Margie and Tommy study in a virtual classroom. They have robots as teachers. Most importantly, her
‘school’ is next to her bedroom only. It is a room full of electronics, robots, and gadgets. The computer
software teaches her everything.

When Margie attends her school after learning about the earlier ones, she starts wondering. When she
starts studying, she cannot help but think about the earlier days.

Margie wonders about the fun her grandparents would indulge in. She imagined kids from different
neighbourhoods coming together merrily to attend school.

Moreover, the fact that they were taught the same thing amused her. It was because everyone would
help each other out with the homework. Thus, in the end, she is left wondering about the fun they had.

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*** The students of Class IX are requested to solve the questions of the exercise of ‘The Fun They Had’
given in the text book. The answers written by the students will be checked and corrected after the
normal classes resume.