# IV explained — Metropolis

> Chapter companion for Metropolis by Thea von Harbou.

## What happens

Joh Fredersen visits Rotwang, who unveils his creation—a faceless, obedient female android called 'Futura' or 'Parody.' Rotwang demonstrates its eerie abilities, and the two men discuss a mysterious plan found by Grot in a dead worker's pocket. Rotwang refuses to explain the plan until Fredersen reveals its origin. Meanwhile, Slim informs Fredersen that his son Freder has disappeared.

## Themes in this chapter

### Dehumanization by Technology

Rotwang's android is described as a 'tool'—cold, obedient, and faceless—highlighting the reduction of humanity to mechanical function.

### Class Division and Exploitation

The mysterious plan found in a dead worker's pocket and the workers' secretive behavior underscore the divide between the ruling class and the labor force.

### Religious and Mythological Symbolism

References to the seal of Solomon, the Tower of Babel, and the 'apple of knowledge' imbue the chapter with biblical and mythological resonance.

## Character check-ins

### Joh Fredersen

Visits Rotwang, confronts the android, and learns of Freder's disappearance.

### Rotwang

Presents his android creation 'Futura' and interrogates Fredersen about the mysterious plan.

### Slim

Informs Fredersen that Freder has disappeared.

### Grot

Mentioned as the foreman who found the plan in a dead worker's pocket.

## Key lines

> Be courteous, my beautiful Parody. Open the doors for the Master over the great Metropolis.

Rotwang commands his android to politely open the door for Joh Fredersen.

_Demonstrates Rotwang's control over his creation and his mocking deference to Fredersen._

> I must inform you, Mr. Fredersen, that, since your son left this room, he has disappeared!

Slim reports to Fredersen that Freder has vanished after leaving the room.

_Introduces the subplot of Freder's disappearance, adding tension to the narrative._

> Where did you get the plan?

Rotwang demands to know the origin of the mysterious paper Fredersen showed him.

_Highlights the importance of the plan and Rotwang's suspicion._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metropolis_se/chapters/iv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metropolis_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metropolis_se/chapters