Sample Solution

Donna Haraway would likely interpret Henry James’ In the Cage as a poignant illustration of cyborg identity, a concept she describes in her “A Cyborg Manifesto.” The unnamed protagonist of the story embodies many of Haraway’s key points about what it means to be an imperfect fusion between human and machine. For instance, by becoming “attached” to the telegraph machine, she merges her consciousness with its own leading to an increased sense of power which is evident in how she openly defies social norms such as when she refuses to let a male customer send his message (James 1898). Consequently this creates a new kind of subjectivity where biological and technological are intertwined in ways that cannot be separated.

Furthermore, by becoming so connected with technology, the protagonist also has access to knowledge that was previously unavailable due to its limited physical reach. She can now interact with people all over the world through messages which not only allows her newfound agency but also opens up possibilities for creating more meaningful relationships beyond traditional boundaries. This further emphasizes Haraway’s idea that humanity and technology have become one inextricable entity capable of creating new forms of selves unbounded by gender or race.

Overall then, it is clear why Donna Haraway would view Henry James’ In The Cage as illustrative example illustrating cyborg identity. By depicting characters who are redefining themselves via their connection to technology the story helps demonstrate some key points about our relationship with machines being neither overly positive nor negative but instead somewhere within those two extremes.