Plot Summary:
The story begins with a series of seemingly random events: a man inexplicably walking into a lake, a woman jumping off a cliff, a child running into traffic. These incidents escalate, and soon the entire town is engaged in a collective descent into madness. People start acting irrationally, walking blindly into danger, and sacrificing themselves without explanation.
The Explanation:
As the town's inhabitants become increasingly unhinged, a psychiatrist, Dr. Evans, attempts to understand the phenomenon. He observes the people's behavior and notices that their actions are devoid of any logic or reasoning. He concludes that the town's collective madness is a psychological contagion, a "lemming-like" instinct spreading through the community.
The Aftermath:
The story culminates in a scene of mass suicide. The town's inhabitants gather at a cliff and, without hesitation, jump to their deaths. Dr. Evans watches in horror as the last few remaining residents succumb to the irresistible urge to follow the flock.
Themes:
* Blind Obedience: The story highlights the danger of blindly following the crowd and surrendering one's individuality to a collective impulse.
* Societal Conformity: The town's inhabitants become so consumed by the desire to conform that they lose sight of reason and common sense.
* Mass Hysteria: The story depicts the power of mass hysteria and how it can quickly spread through a community, leading to disastrous consequences.
* The Nature of Humanity: Matheson's tale raises questions about the nature of humanity and our capacity for both reason and irrationality.
Significance:
"Lemmings" is a chilling and thought-provoking story that serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of blind obedience, societal conformity, and the power of mass hysteria. It remains relevant today as it resonates with modern-day concerns about social media trends, groupthink, and the potential for collective madness.