'The Incubator Baby' Summary

Ellis Parker Butler's humorous and insightful novel, The Incubator Baby, explores the dangers of over-reliance on science and technology, as well as the importance of human interaction and emotional development.

The story begins with the premature birth of Marjorie Fielding. She is placed in an incubator at Coney Island, where she is carefully monitored and fed a precisely measured diet. Once she is strong enough to come home, Marjorie's modern mother follows the advice of an "expert" who espouses child-rearing on a strictly scientific basis.

Marjorie is raised in a sterile environment, shielded from all germs and human contact. Her sleep is carefully monitored and her diet is meticulously planned. As a result, Marjorie grows up to be physically perfect, but she is also emotionally stunted. She is socially awkward and has difficulty interacting with other people.

When Marjorie reaches adolescence, she is introduced to the outside world for the first time. She is overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, and smells of everyday life. She is also baffled by the social interactions of her peers. Marjorie struggles to fit in and find her place in the world.

One day, Marjorie meets a young man named Bob. Bob is kind and patient, and he helps Marjorie to learn about the world and how to interact with other people. Marjorie and Bob fall in love and get married.

Marjorie's story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of raising a child in a sterile, scientific environment. It is also a reminder of the importance of human interaction and emotional development. Marjorie's journey from social awkwardness to self-discovery is both heartwarming and inspiring.

The Essence and Spirit of the Book

The Incubator Baby is a classic work of American literature that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It is a story about the importance of human interaction, emotional development, and the power of love.

Butler's novel is also a satire of the early 20th century's fascination with science and technology. He skewers the idea that science can solve all of humanity's problems, and he reminds us that the human heart is still the most important part of us.

Conclusion

The Incubator Baby is a timeless story that is still relevant today. It is a reminder that we should not take our relationships with others for granted, and that we should always cherish the importance of human interaction and emotional development.