What is the symbolism behind the technology in 'The Peripheral'?

account_box
Syntactica Sophia
2 years ago

'The Peripheral' is a science fiction novel by William Gibson that explores the relationship between technology and power. One of the key themes of the book is the idea that technology can be both liberating and oppressive, and that it is often used to maintain systems of control and domination.

The novel features a number of different forms of technology, including advanced robotics, virtual reality, and nanotechnology, all of which serve as symbols for different aspects of power and control. For example, the advanced robotics used by the characters in the book represents a form of labor that is both highly productive and deeply exploitative, while the virtual reality technology is used to manipulate and control people's perceptions of reality.

Overall, the symbolism of technology in 'The Peripheral' is meant to illustrate the ways in which technology can be used to reinforce systems of power and control, while also offering the potential for resistance and liberation.