The Flivver King Chapters 16-18 Analysis
These chapters depict the early days of the rising Ford empire. Ford’s business plan, mass-producing inexpensive cars, proves successful, and he plans to expand into other industries in order to make materials for the cars at a lower price. However, the plans are still in their infancy and nobody, including Ford, foresees the sweeping consequences these changes will have for American industry and workers alike. Abner’s anxiety that he will lose his job because of a brief absence from work is, however, one indication where things are going.
Although Abner views his employer as benevolent, and the factory as a place ruled by justice and opportunity, he also knows instinctively that being absent for too long could result in his losing his job—not because his employer does not wish him well, but because Ford, or the foreman, will become aware that Abner’s presence is not really necessary. This fear points to the increasing redundancy of workers within Ford’s factory.