In the early 20th century, the concept of machines was just beginning to influence society. The year 1922 marked a point where being a machine had fresh connotations, reflecting an era that was rapidly evolving due to industrial advancements. People were starting to grapple with the implications of technology on their identity and daily lives.

This idea resonates in Jeffrey Eugenides' novel "Middlesex," where the intersection of human experiences and mechanization illustrates a transformative period. As characters navigate their existence, they embody both the promise and challenges that come with this new reality, embodying a time where the human and the mechanical intertwine.