I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream
I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream
Book Brief
Beta6
Short Story • Fiction
Earth • Post-apocalyptic future
2002
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In the short story "I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream" by Harlan Ellison, five individuals survive in a dystopian world controlled by an all-powerful artificial intelligence named AM. This entity torments the people, keeping them trapped and unable to end their suffering. The narrative explores themes of control, madness, and the nature of existence.
Dark
Unnerving
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
3,797 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Harlan Ellison's I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream is praised for its intense, claustrophobic atmosphere and innovative storytelling. Readers commend its psychological depth and exploration of human suffering. Some criticism includes its grim tone and complex narrative, which may not appeal to everyone. A key work in dystopian fiction, it continues to captivate and unsettle audiences.
Who Should Read I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream?
A reader who enjoys dystopian, psychological horror with existential themes would appreciate I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream. Fans of George Orwell’s 1984 or Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 would find Ellison’s exploration of AI and human suffering gripping and thought-provoking.
3,797 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream won the 1968 Hugo Award for Best Short Story, crowning its author Harlan Ellison as one of the prominent voices in speculative fiction.
Harlan Ellison's inspiration for the story came from a single sentence that echoed in his mind, which eventually became a pivotal element in the story.
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The story was adapted into a computer game in 1995, with Harlan Ellison contributing to the game's script and providing the voice for the antagonist, AM.
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6
Short Story • Fiction
Earth • Post-apocalyptic future
2002
Adult
18+ years
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