In Sinclair Lewis's "It Can't Happen Here," the imagery of a group of robot sheep illustrates a scene filled with artificiality and fear. The mechanical lambs, powered by impressive machinery, create a chilling sound reminiscent of genuine sheep, evoking a sense of terror despite their robotic nature. This description highlights the dissonance between the mechanical existence of the robots and the natural instincts they seem to imitate.
The use of the term "bleating their terror" suggests that even these engineered beings are capable of expressing fear, underscoring themes of control and loss of authenticity in the narrative. The phrase encapsulates a world where technology has taken over natural life, reflecting a deeper societal commentary on the implications of unchecked technological advancement and the loss of humanity in a mechanized society.