In a futuristic, totalitarian "Orwellian" state, religion and books have been banned. The state determines a citizen's value based on their utility. Romney Wordsworth, a librarian, is put on trial and found "obsolete" because his profession no longer serves a purpose in a world where free access to the printed word is forbidden.
"The Twilight Zone" The Obsolete Man (TV Episode 1961) - IMDb [S2E29] Episode #2.29
He maintains his dignity, asserting that a human being has inherent value that the state cannot grant or take away. He chooses the method of his execution: to be killed by a bomb in his room at midnight, with the event televised to the entire nation. The Twist & Moral "The Twilight Zone" The Obsolete Man (TV Episode
Wordsworth invites the Chancellor to his room just before the execution and locks the door. As the clock ticks down, Wordsworth calmly reads his illegal Bible, showing no fear. In contrast, the Chancellor panics, eventually begging for his life "in the name of God"—a direct violation of the state's rules. As the clock ticks down, Wordsworth calmly reads