Is Sex Necessary? Or, Why You Feel the Way You Do

Author:

Publisher: Blue Ribbon Books

Published:

ISBN: 9780060733148

Genre: literature

Pages: 194

Format: eBook

Language: en

Description

A humorous and satirical look at the complexities and absurdities surrounding sex and relationships in the early 20th century. Explores American attitudes toward love, marriage, and gender roles through witty essays and comical observations.

Topics

Sex, American culture, gender roles, relationships, satire, humor, early 20th century

Detailed Description

Is Sex Necessary? is a witty and insightful satire on the changing landscape of love, marriage, and gender roles in the Roaring Twenties. James Thurber and E.B. White lampoon the anxieties, confusions, and societal pressures surrounding sex, dissecting American courtship rituals, Freudian psychology, and the complexities of modern relationships with their signature blend of humor and keen observation. The book's essays and Thurber's quirky illustrations offer a timeless commentary on the human condition, exploring the eternal battle of the sexes and the often-absurd ways in which society grapples with its most fundamental urges. A classic of American humor, 'Is Sex Necessary?' remains relevant for its sharp wit and enduring insights into the human heart.

About the Author

James Grover Thurber

James Grover Thurber (1894-1961) was a celebrated American author, cartoonist, and humorist, renowned for his witty essays and whimsical drawings that captured the anxieties and absurdities of modern life. Best known for his contributions to The New Yorker, Thurber's work often explored the dynamics between men and women, the foibles of everyday existence, and the power of imagination. His stories, such as 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,' are iconic examples of American humor and continue to resonate with readers for their timeless insights into the human condition. Thurber's unique blend of satire, pathos, and surrealism established him as a literary giant, leaving an indelible mark on American literature and comedy.

Key Characters

  • The American Male: A central figure representing the anxieties, confusions, and changing roles of men in early 20th century American society, often portrayed as bewildered, frustrated, and grappling with societal expectations and personal desires.
  • The American Female: Represents the shifting dynamics and complex personalities of women in American Society, highlighting a range of types each with unique traits, defenses and desires.

Keywords

is sex necessary, james thurber, e.b. white, satire, humor, american literature, early 20th century, gender roles, marriage, relationships, freudian psychology, social commentary, new yorker, literary satire, cultural criticism, american humor, roaring twenties, modern relationships, literary classics, short stories, anxiety, absurdity, urban life, comedy, illustrations

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