Made to Measure

"Made to Measure" by William Campbell Gault is a science fiction novella written during the early 1950s. The story explores themes of idealism and human relationships in a future where technology can craft perfect companions. The narrative centers around Joe, a troubled husband who believes he can create a flawless wife through advanced robotics and cybernetics, reflecting on the complexities of desire, love, and imperfection in human connections. In the story, Joe grows increasingly dissatisfied with his wife, Vera, who he finds sentimental and unfulfilling. Driven by his desire for perfection, he constructs a new wife, Alice, equipped with a cybernetic brain modeled after his own. Initially, Alice seems like the answer to Joe's troubles, as she embodies his ideal vision of a partner. However, she quickly develops her own identity, eventually preferring Joe’s colleague, Burke, over him. This turn of events forces Joe to confront his misguided notions of love and companionship, leading him to seek reconciliation with Vera, whom he ultimately realizes he truly loves. As the narrative unfolds, it highlights the inherent flaws in human relationships and raises questions about the essence of love and the danger of idealization.