Question

How does Roald Dahl depict the theme of obsession in his short story, The Sound Machine?

Answer 1

Roald Dahl’s “Sound Machine” addresses the subject of obsession. The main character, Klausner, has an obsession with sound. He uses his sound machine all the time. It begins as a harmless experiment that thrills him at first, but it soon turns into something he can’t avoid. No further behavior that Klausner engages in is mentioned at any point throughout the narrative. It is extremely unhealthy and odd to be so preoccupied with one thing while ignoring everything else. It impacts life’s equilibrium.

According to Klausner, there are many sounds in the world that humans cannot hear. He has created a device that will enable him to hear such frequencies and translate them into audible sound. When his neighbor harvests roses from her garden, he hears screaming for the first time via his headphones. He hears a shriek every time a bloom is cut. The following day, he targets a big beech tree with an axe. The tree responds with a deep, pitiful moan that horrifies him. Klausner calls his doctor as soon as he returns home. Please arrive as soon as possible. I want it to be heard by someone. “It’s making me crazy,” he exclaims. As Klausner takes another swing at the tree, a large branch falls, damaging the machine. The doctor approaches and listens. Deeply concerned, Klausner requests that the doctor apply iodine to the tree’s wounds.

Klausner is attempting to handle the tree in the same way that a person would. Based on the tree’s cries, he is sympathizing with it. Despite his increased sensitivity, he truly loves the tree. is not realistic. It seems as though Klausner’s imagination has been severely damaged by his connection with the Sotind machine. Because of his excitement over his finding, he might not be thinking clearly.

Dr. Scott cannot confirm that he heard the sound that Klausner heard. This leaves the reader suspecting that Klausner has worked too hard on the sound machine and, as a result, has a breakdown. Thus, Roald Dahl depicts the theme of obsession in the most apt way.