Incredible Shrinking Man Book

Richard Matheson took the platform afforded him by his tremendous skill as a writer and used it as a platform to confront a serious and important issue that had been kept hidden for too long....MALE SHRINKAGE


Here was a man that was WAY ahead of his time. Not only was he a gifted writer with an amazing and wide-ranging imagination, but he was also someone who wasn't afraid to tackle tough and controversial social issues. From general topics like race relations, war and politics to deeply personal issues like religion, the acceptance of the individual...and of course...male shrinkage.

It is staggering when you consider that this novel was written back in 1956 during a time when the exact causes and lasting impact of shrinkage were not nearly as well known as they are today. Back in the 1950's, there was very little research into the physical causes of this phenomenon and almost none on the psychological effects on the male population. It was a "taboo" subject that was just not discussed even between fathers and sons. Some have speculated this lack of communication between the generations on this most important issue may have contributed to the tremendous social upheaval that occurred during the 1960's and 1970's.

Of course, nowadays there is a much better understanding among the scientific community about the phenomenon of male shrinkage as evidenced by the illustration below that was used at a recent medical conference to explain the basic science behind the condition:


Nevertheless, despite not having the scientific research available and despite the conservative time in which this story was written, Matheson managed to write what is arguably the most in depth and thoughtful discussion of male shrinkage that has ever been written. I can only applaud Mr. Matheson for showing the world that this issue can be addressed in a compassionate, intelligent way.

Of course, given the social mores of his time, Matheson was forced to disguise the central theme of his story by having his plot revolve around the shrinking of the main character's ENTIRE body. However, despite this bow to conventionality, the astute reader from the very beginning is able to see through the thinly veiled disguise and into the truth behind Matheson's powerful story.

As the story begins, Scott Carey is a man of "above average" size with a wife and daughter. While on the ocean, he is doused with "radioactive" water that causes him to immediately begin shrinking. From there the story is told through two interweaving plot lines. The "present" shows Scott when he is shudder 5/7 of an inch big, hiding in his basement and living a survivors existence trying to find food and water while battling a Black Widow spider and an oversized pussy cat (the obvious symbolic meaning of these two are discussed below). Meanwhile, the second plot thread is a series of "flashbacks" in which we see Scott dwindle from his above average size all the way down to the point where Scott is so small that he no longer even sees himself as a man.

It is during these flashbacks that I think Matheson's writing and story-telling is at its most poignant and compelling. Once Carey loses his above average size, his self esteem and rational demeanor begin to erode at once. Does anyone still think Matheson is talking about "height"?....I think not!! As Scott continues to lose inches, he is unable to concentrate at work and becomes obsessed with what he views as kid glove treatment from those who know about "IT."

Almost immediately after Scott experiences the first signs of shrinkage, his marriage begins to suffer (big surprise, huh). Scott feels as though his wife is less attracted to him and sees her attempt to maintain a normal relationship as condescending. This deterioration continues as Scott gets smaller and smaller until there is no physical contact at all between Scott and his wife. In the negative reaction of Scott's wife, Matheson again shows how he was decades ahead of his time in recognizing and confronting what in modern times has become a cliche.....


Matheson was brilliant in his depiction of the psychological trauma that accompanied Scott's reduction in size and I don't believe there has ever been a more evocative examination of this deeply emotional issue. The fact that all of this deep and penetrating analysis needed to be done behind the veil of an "acceptable" plot makes the depth of the writing even more amazing.

Here are just a few examples of Matheson's superb ability to write an acceptable upon surface story while engaging in heated, passionate intercourse upon his true themes:

Surface Plot: As mentioned above, the trauma for Scott begins story begins with him being doused with water after which he immediately begins to experience shrinkage....Subtext: Scott is shown to be the "everyman" as he is confronted with the classic factors contributing to shrinkage.

Surface Plot: Chapter headings are all done in inches alone (e.g., 68", 64", etc.) rather then the more common height measurements of feet and inches....Subtext: Matheson's use of the common unit of male size rather than height is a clear indication that he was asking his readers to strip away normal conventions.

Surface Plot: As Scott finds himself smaller and smaller he is confronted by the main "monster" of the story....a female Black Widow spider.... Subtext: The subtle imagery in this plot device is almost magical in its invocation of the often harsh, uncaring female when it comes to the issue of shrinkage.

Surface Plot: Almost as telling is Scott's dangerous encounter with an oversized pussy cat just after going through a heartfelt inner monologue about his concern over his current size.....Subtext Here Matheson seems to be touching on the fear and angst that can accompany someone regarding the physical act of love when dealing with excessive shrinkage. The appearance of the "cat" so soon after Scott's internal expression of inadequacy appears to confirm this.

Surface Plot: A central fixture of the plot when Scott is at his smallest is the "water heater" in the basement which provides both a critical source of sustenance as well as a primary obstacle to overcome......Subtext: Here we have the constant reminder that while cold water is the enemy and cause of shrinkage, warm water can just as quickly bring salvation.

While there are many more examples of Matheson's subtle exploration of this provocative issue, the above provides enough to demonstrate the nuance and skill exhibited by Matheson in this ground-breaking novel. I would strongly recommend you read the story yourself so you can see the full range of Matheson's gift.

It is possible that some out there may be uncomfortable reading this review and addressing the issue of shrinkage in this forum. However, after reading Matheson's brilliant and courageous story, I have been motivated to expose this issue and hope that through awareness and education, we can create compassion and understanding for this most painful and personal of issues. He has given me the courage to take up his mantle (unworthy as I may be) and shout out from the rooftops.....EXPOSURE TO COLD WATER CAN CAUSE SIGNIFICANT BUT TEMPORARY REDUCTION IN SIZE THAT CAN CAUSE AN OBSERVER TO PERCEIVE DEFICIENCIES THAT ARE NOT TRULY THERE.