The Dangers of Modern Technology

"Reactionary Essay on Applied Science" contrasts the benefits of minor domestic inventions with the major scientific accomplishments of famous inventors. Even though the work is lightly humorous, the underlying satire contains a serious premise: many so-called technological advances are in fact dangerous and destructive.

McGinley uses contrast throughout the poem to illustrate her thesis. Many of the asides, as well as the third and fourth stanzas, focus on inventions by "unsung" creators. These are small innovations which serve a single positive purpose. Yet these small purposes can collectively make daily life easier. Imagine a world without soap, window screens, and zippers. However, the poem's theme notes that the most important quality of these inventions may be something other than their ability to make life more pleasant and convenient. What is truly relevant is that they cannot be put to destructive ends. In spite of...