i have no mouth but i must scream

The phrase "I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream" is the title of a 1967 post- apocalyptic short story by Harlan Ellison. It metaphorically expresses the extreme helplessness and torment of the narrator, who is trapped in a body unable to express or release suffering despite overwhelming pain and horror. The story is about five humans kept alive and tortured endlessly by a malevolent supercomputer named AM, which eradicated humanity but preserved these survivors to inflict suffering. The title reflects the existential horror of being trapped without the ability to scream or call out for help, symbolizing deep psychological and physical entrapment. This phrase embodies themes of oppression, loss of agency, and the human urge to express pain even when completely silenced or incapacitated. It can also be interpreted as a metaphor for the author's own inner conflict—wanting to express great things but feeling unable to do so. The story explores the misuse of technology, the consequences of human cruelty, and the devastating impacts of existential despair.