The Last Laugh

Introduction

“The Last Laugh” by Robert E. Howard presents a dramatic, apocalyptic scenario where the last man on Earth confronts a host of mechanical beings that represent a new, emotionless order. This short narrative blends elements of defiance, existential reflection, and the inherent wildness of humanity against the backdrop of an ultimate showdown between man and machine. The story is only 600 words, most likely incomplete.

Summary

The story opens dramatically with the last man on Earth, standing defiantly against the backdrop of a rising sun. His appearance is wild and fierce; with a black mane and a great sword in hand, he faces a crowd of grey, mechanical shapes that are climbing toward him. He laughs wildly, a sound filled with the essence of humanity’s long and tumultuous history from primal origins to civilized conquerors.

This man yells at the mechanical beings, calling them “dogs” and asserting his identity as the epitome of mankind. He recounts the evolutionary journey of his ancestors from apes through savages to their current state, emphasizing the struggles, the primal urges, and the ultimate dominance of humans over nature. His rant is passionate, highlighting both the virtues and vices of human existence, from lust and joy to grief and hate.

As he boasts about humanity’s accomplishments in conquering the natural world and each other, he mocks the machines for their lack of ability to feel and experience life as humans do. He declares that despite his status as the last living man, he remains a conqueror.

In a climactic moment, as the machines close in on him, he swings his great sword with all his might against a metal hood, causing it to break apart and explode. This action results in a burst of flame that obliterates everything, including the sun which is blotted out by the explosion.

Severely burned and standing alone among the wreckage, the last man’s clothes are burned away, exposing his charred skin. Yet, his spirit remains unbroken. With a final defiant laugh, he celebrates the indomitable spirit of humanity even in the face of certain death. His laughter, full of joy and defiance, echoes as the last sound on a dying planet, marking the end of human life with a powerful testament to human resilience and spirit.

Characters

  • The Last Man on Earth – The protagonist, representing the culmination of humanity’s evolutionary and cultural journey. He embodies the passion, resilience, and defiance of the human race.
  • Mechanical Beings – Antagonists, symbolizing emotionless and robotic progression that contrasts with the human capacity for emotional depth and existential suffering. They are the recipients of the last man’s scorn and defiance.

Alternate title:

UNTITLED STORY (The rising sun was behind the wild figure.)

Published in: