Spiritual depletion of man in Elmer Rice's Play : the adding machine

Abstract EN

Elmer Rice (1892-1967) is an American playwright who challenged the evils of American capitalism.

He also criticized the frailty of the American Judicial system.

He was a moralist whose plays are considered records of the American cultural life.

His play The Adding Machine (1924) shows the dilemma of the protagonist Mr.

Zero.

On the 25th anniversary of his employment he is replaced by an adding machine.

In rage, he kills his boss and he is tried and executed.

In his play, Rice satirizes the dehumanization and manipulation of man in a mechanized society.