The Adding Machine

Definition

The Adding Machine is a play written by Elmer Rice in 1923 that symbolizes the dehumanizing effects of modernity and technology on individuals in the workplace. The story revolves around Mr. Zero, an accountant who is replaced by an adding machine, showcasing the tension between human existence and mechanical efficiency, a central theme in the early expressions of expressionism in theatre.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Adding Machine was one of the first plays to explore the impact of technology on human relationships and job security, marking a shift in theatrical themes during the early 20th century.
2. Mr. Zero's character represents the average worker facing obsolescence due to technological advancement, highlighting themes of alienation and existential dread.
3. The play employs expressionistic techniques, such as stylized dialogue and exaggerated characters, to emphasize emotional experiences rather than realistic portrayals.
4. The narrative structure is nonlinear, reflecting the disjointed nature of modern life and the confusion experienced by individuals in an increasingly mechanized society.
5. Elmer Rice's work sparked discussions about capitalism, industrialization, and their effects on human identity, paving the way for future playwrights to address similar concerns.

Review Questions

• How does 'The Adding Machine' reflect expressionist themes through its portrayal of Mr. Zero's character?
  • 'The Adding Machine' uses Mr. Zero to exemplify the alienation experienced by individuals in a rapidly modernizing world. His transformation from a diligent worker to an obsolete figure due to technological advancements showcases the struggle between human identity and mechanical efficiency. This portrayal aligns with expressionist themes by emphasizing emotional disconnection and existential angst, illustrating how modernity can strip away individuality.
• Discuss how Elmer Rice's use of theatrical techniques in 'The Adding Machine' contributes to its expressionistic style.
  • Elmer Rice employs various theatrical techniques in 'The Adding Machine' that align with expressionistic style, such as stylized dialogue, exaggerated performances, and a fragmented narrative structure. These elements create a heightened emotional atmosphere that reflects Mr. Zero's internal turmoil. The use of non-realistic settings further emphasizes the disconnect between characters and their environment, enhancing the play’s critique of modernity and technology's dehumanizing effects.
• Evaluate the impact of 'The Adding Machine' on the development of American theatre and its relevance to contemporary discussions about technology in society.
  • 'The Adding Machine' significantly impacted American theatre by introducing themes of technology's influence on individual identity and labor dynamics. Its exploration of alienation resonates today as society grapples with rapid technological advancements and their implications for employment and human connection. The play's enduring relevance prompts contemporary audiences to reflect on how automation continues to shape our lives, echoing Rice's early concerns about the balance between progress and humanity.

Related terms

Expressionism: An artistic movement that emphasizes subjective experience and emotional response over realism, often depicting distorted images and heightened emotions to reflect inner feelings.

Elmer Rice:

An American playwright and director known for his influential works in the early 20th century, including 'The Adding Machine,' which helped shape the development of modern American theatre.

Modernism: A broad cultural movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a deliberate break from traditional styles and an embrace of new forms and ideas, particularly in art and literature.