James Thurber's "Sex Ex Machina"

A turing machine, invented in 1936

          James Thurber, cartoonist, author, and playwright, wrote Sex Ex Machina in 1937, during the build up to World War Two. Published in the New Yorker, Sex Ex Machina is an argumentative essay that considers and then refutes that the fear of machines is connected to sexual desires. The industrial world was still booming during this time, with machines becoming part of everyday life. The fear of machines, however, remained abundant. Thurber proposes that the “menace of the machine” (Thurber 153) is caused by negative experiences connected to machines as opposed to sexual desires. He first presents the counter argument by analyzing a study done by a psychologist on reactions of three men to a car. This psychologist, Dr. Bish, formulates a connection between the reactions of each man and their sexual desires. Thurber then presents his argument by giving a possible explanation of why people fear machines and uses that argument to combat the experiment. Thurber’s argument is well supported by many examples from his life as well as from his friends’ lives. Thurber also brings to light the flaws in the opposing side’s argument, therefore strengthening his own. He uses rhetoric devices throughout the essay to add depth to his writing and to keep his audience interested. He includes ethos, pathos, and logos as well as strong diction and a surplus of figurative language, such as similes and personification. For example, he writes “menace” instead of “fear” and he states that his car “screamed” when he shares about his fear of car alarms (Thurber 157).Thurber uses these many examples to not only inform the public about the how the fear of machines is caused, but to comfort those who have experienced or still experience this fear. With the rhetoric devices creating a knowledgable yet comforting mood, the essay seems to be targeted towards the people who fear machines. His personal anecdote offers validity of the fear and builds Thurber’s credibility as he shows he has has experience with his topic. Thurber’s use of rhetoric devices and many examples makes Sex Ex Machina a strong and well supported essay. 

Picture Citation

"A Turing Machine Overview." A Turing Machine. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Aug. 2016.