The Aftermath of the Automaton

Traces society's reaction to the revelation that Olympia was an automaton.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Public scandal

The Outrage The Fraud Spalanzani's passing off of a wooden doll as a living person was considered a swindle. The public was outraged. The Investigation Jurists called it a refined fraud. Spalanzani was forced to leave the university to avoid criminal prosecution. The Gossip People pointed out suspicious details: Olympia's stiff movements, her metallic voice, and her sneezing (which was actually the rewinding mechanism).

Distrust of human figures

The Widespread Suspicion The Fear People began to fear that they might be fooled by automatons. Lovers demanded that their beloveds prove their humanity by singing off-key, dancing out of step, or knitting. The Social Consequences Some couples grew stronger, but others drifted apart. Yawning became popular at social teas, while sneezing was avoided. The Lesson Society had learned to be wary of appearances. The line between human and machine had been blurred, causing lasting unease.

Spalanzani's departure

The Exile The Escape Spalanzani left the town to avoid the criminal investigation. His reputation was ruined. The Disappearance of Coppelius Coppola also vanished, taking the automaton's body with him. The two creators of the illusion were gone. The Legacy The story of the automaton became a cautionary tale. The event left a mark on the collective psyche.

After the revelation

After the scandal

After the scandal