James Thurber's "A Box To Hide In"

[NausiMouse]

It doesn't have to be a euphemism. I have had times where I've just wanted to hide in a big box. Just sit there and live and not have to face life out. And no one else seems to understand that living in a box is just the thing to do.

[Scarwilde]

I'm not convinced it's a euphemism. Unless, perhaps he intended the "box" to be a house or home. I don't think so though. "It circumscribes your worries and the range of your anguish. You don't see people either." Obviously I'm just one opinion and a writer such as Thurber should and does illicit many opinions. To me this sentence is the whole point. Don't you ever just want to be left alone? Alone in a giant refrigerator box where no one can see you and you can't see or even care to feel out.?

[timberwolves12345]

Im related to him!

[15scottie]

The box is just a euphemism (which the grocer never got), No one would choose to live in a cardboard box. The fact that he had to keep repeating himself to the grocer should've tipped him off.

[kavikarkaino]

What he means is the boxes you hide in shelter you for reality. Be it a home, an imaginary box, or most of all....Television. Its a false sense of security and a temporary escape from reality.

[kibbles1053]

I don't get it. It's not all that funny...

[InsertName125]

@kibbles1053

You don't have to get it. Is it ok for other people to enjoy it anyway?

[whbon73]

They got boxes like that at the appliance store.

[leggergliela]

I really love James Thurber. it's funny, maybe one could consider a television "a box to hid in". Just as long as you don't watch the news...

[beatlelover17]

Wow!!! How interesting!!! It really makes you think about your own life.

[ebruceb]

It's great to see and hear this Thurber and Shepherd combo. I, and most other Jean Shepherd fans, did not know of it. Where is it from? How did it happen? When? Are there others? What a wonderful surprise!!!

--Eugene B. Bergmann (author of the only book about that great American creative genius, Jean Shepherd.)

[wontonton]

The audio is taken from one his shows in the early 60's. 1961 maybe? Anyway, it can be found in the collection of mp3s that's been circulating for years. There's a portion in the middle that's been chopped out, incidentally.

[Wozzytalks]

ME!