What are the main themes in 'The Machine Stops' short story?

Kuno is one of the main characters. He is different from others as he has a sense of rebellion against the all - controlling machine.

The main idea is about a world where people rely completely on a machine. It shows how this over - dependence has both physical and psychological impacts on the society.

One key theme is the over - reliance on technology. In 'The Machine Stops', people have become so dependent on the all - powerful machine that they've lost their basic survival skills and connection to nature. Another theme is the loss of human interaction. People communicate mainly through the machine, and face - to - face meetings are rare and almost considered abnormal. Also, there is the theme of the dehumanization of society. The machine dictates every aspect of people's lives, suppressing their individuality and creativity.

There is Vashti, who is one of the main characters. She is used to the life controlled by the machine and represents those who are deeply entrenched in the machine - dominated world.

One main theme could be the relationship between humanity and technology. If there are 'ghosts' in the machine, it might show how humans struggle to comprehend the inner workings of technology that seem to have a life of their own.

One possible main theme could be the passage of time. Since the title mentions time stopping at Shamli, it might explore how time behaves differently in this place, perhaps through the different short stories within the collection.

In 'the sound machine', the main plot involves a man who invents a sound machine. This machine can detect sounds that are inaudible to the human ear. He discovers that plants make screaming sounds when they are cut or harmed. It's a rather strange and thought - provoking story about the hidden world of sound and our perception of it.

The main theme could be the conflict between innovation and the status quo. The flying machine represents new and amazing technology, but it also scares those in power who fear change and the potential chaos it could bring.

The main theme is time travel and its consequences. The Time Traveller goes into the future and discovers how humanity has evolved in different and often disturbing ways. It shows how society could change over time and makes us think about the future of our own civilization.

I don't have enough information to determine the main characters. It could be a scientist who invents or studies the machine, a curious child who stumbles upon it, or a group of adventurers who are on a quest related to the machine.