What is the significance of the world-building in ''The Peripheral''?

The world-building in William Gibson's 2014 novel, 'The Peripheral,' is significant in a number of ways. The novel is set in two different time periods and features two different worlds, and Gibson takes great care to create a detailed and believable picture of each. In the near-future world of the novel, the world-building emphasizes the ways in which technology has transformed society, and the extent to which the virtual and physical worlds have merged. The world is one in which the boundaries between the real and the virtual are blurred, and people can live entirely within virtual spaces if they choose.

In the distant-future world of the novel, the world-building emphasizes the ways in which society has transformed due to climate change and political upheaval. The world is one in which resources are scarce, and power is held by a few wealthy families who control the technological means of production. The world is also characterized by extreme inequality, with a small elite living in luxury while the rest of the population struggles to survive.

Overall, the world-building in 'The Peripheral' is significant because it creates a fully-realized and immersive fictional universe. The worlds that Gibson creates are both richly-detailed and internally consistent, which helps to make the events of the novel feel more believable and compelling. Additionally, the world-building is significant because it allows Gibson to explore a number of important themes, such as the impact of technology on society, the dangers of inequality and concentration of power, and the relationship between humans and their environment.