So, first things first, let’s get
something clear. I did NOT choose this
essay because the idea of writing the word “sex” in an AP assignment multiple times
was sort of rebellious. Don’t get me
wrong, I am enjoying it as much as any other teenager. But, what comes after sex is what interests
me the most (for those laughing at that line, minds out of the gutter please). The term “ex machine” comes from the Latin
term “deus ex machina”. This expression
is used when an event happens in a story that is just a little too convenient
and falls outside the realms of reality.
For example, the entire 2012
movie is one big, giant deus ex machina.
I mean really, how in the world could a limo out run explosions, a
falling parking lot, then drive through a building, get to the airport, find an
empty plane, and fly it though San Francisco as it falls into the pits of hell. Watch this clip to fully understand what I mean.
You see what I mean. There is no logical way that they are alive right now. The perfect example of a deus ex machina.
(Found on YouTube)
The author, James Thurber, the famous American humorist, cartoonist, author, journalist, and playwright,
establishes immediately that the topic at hand will attempt to use sex to
create an all-inclusive and somewhat ridiculous explanation as to why this certain
event occurred. Just as promised by the
title, Thurber takes the audience, readers of the New Yorker, on a wild adventure of car-on-human interactions set in
the newly forming technological age of 1937.
He does this to explain the human psyche and explain why some actions
are not as crazy as they seem. Thurber
talks about three people, A, B, and C, and the hypothetical situation where a
car drives right at them. A jumps out of
the way, B stands still and excepts that they will be hit, but C jumps around a
bit, then runs right at the car.
Thurber claims that Freudians will look at C and find that the car
represents sex, with C running straight at the uncontrollable and scary
situation and is therefore crazy and wrong.
Thurber turns around and quickly debunks that idea, claiming it to be
outright ridiculous. He does this through
the extended metaphor of Mr. A, Mr. B, and Mr. C, who are slightly changed over
time to include animal and female versions of them. Also, he uses his friend, Harvey Lake, who when
driving, “the steering bar of an old electric runabout broke off in his hand,
causing the machine to carry him through a fence and into the grounds of the
Colubus School for Girls” (Thurber 158).
Thurber claims that Harvey experienced what Mr. C did, but claimed it
was rational. Of course he is now scared
of vehicles, he has an accident with left him scarred. By establishing that C is not crazy, he
states that by running at problems we may face, such as sex, we may end up
scarred, but we may also conquer our fears and become stronger. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to
parkour some cars right about now. Wish
me luck.
You indentured servant,
Ian Wilenzik
