The Adding Machine

Definition

The Adding Machine is a play written by Elmer Rice that premiered in 1923, showcasing the anxieties of modernity and the dehumanizing effects of technology on individuals. It represents a shift in theater towards Expressionism, emphasizing emotional experience over physical reality and highlighting the struggles of a man, Mr. Zero, who feels obsolete in the face of advancing technology and societal changes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Adding Machine was one of the first plays to deal explicitly with the theme of automation and its impact on human identity and relationships.
2. Mr. Zero, the main character, embodies the struggle against a rapidly changing world where machines replace human labor, leading to feelings of insignificance.
3. The play employs non-realistic elements typical of Expressionism, such as abstract dialogue and unconventional staging, to reflect Mr. Zero's emotional state.
4. Elmer Rice's work is notable for its critique of capitalism and industrialization, revealing how they contribute to alienation and disconnection in modern society.
5. The Adding Machine is often considered a precursor to later works that explore similar themes, making it a significant piece in the evolution of American theater.

Review Questions

• How does The Adding Machine reflect the principles of Expressionism through its characters and themes?
  • The Adding Machine embodies Expressionism by focusing on Mr. Zero's internal struggles as he confronts feelings of obsolescence in a world dominated by technology. The play's use of distorted dialogue and abstract staging showcases emotional turmoil rather than realistic representation. This approach allows audiences to engage with themes of alienation and existential dread, common in Expressionist works, while highlighting how modernity disrupts individual identity.
• In what ways does Elmer Rice use non-realistic elements in The Adding Machine to enhance its critique of capitalism?
  • Elmer Rice employs non-realistic elements like exaggerated characterizations and fragmented dialogue in The Adding Machine to amplify its critique of capitalism. These techniques create a sense of disorientation that mirrors Mr. Zero's alienation from society as machines take over human roles. By disrupting traditional narrative structures and incorporating symbolic elements, Rice underscores the dehumanizing effects of industrialization, forcing audiences to confront the consequences of a capitalist society that prioritizes efficiency over individuality.
• Evaluate how The Adding Machine serves as a precursor to later theatrical works that deal with technology and alienation in society.
  • The Adding Machine lays the groundwork for future theatrical explorations of technology's impact on human relationships by tackling themes like automation and alienation head-on. Its innovative use of Expressionist techniques influenced later playwrights who sought to address similar anxieties surrounding modern life. By presenting an emotionally charged narrative centered on a character grappling with obsolescence, Rice invites audiences to question the role of technology in their lives, setting a precedent for subsequent works that delve deeper into these issues.

Related terms

Expressionism: A theatrical movement that seeks to express emotional experience rather than physical reality, often through distorted sets, exaggerated performances, and thematic focus on inner turmoil.

Alienation Effect:

A technique used in theater to create a sense of distance between the audience and the characters, encouraging critical reflection on social issues instead of emotional immersion.

Modernism: A broad cultural movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that sought to break away from traditional forms and conventions, often emphasizing new perspectives on reality and human experience.