How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph) or (Feed Chatter #.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"In object-oriented programming, discrete software objects interfaced more freely, in a system of corporate service provision that mirrored the emergent structures of late capitalism." Who the hell knows what he meant, but suddenly, he seemed kind of powerful, like someone who shouldn't necessarily be wound up in a cocoon of pink insulation and hidden in a basement somewhere. He was like a different guy. (29.3)
We agree, Titus. Who the heck really knows what that crazy old professor's on about. The takeaway here is that language is power: it can be used as a way to resist the feed and the corporate power structure. Titus can't understand what Violet's dad is saying, but he knows it's powerful. Words matter, Shmoopers!
Quote #5
She had this whole thing about self-control, okay, and the importance of self-control. For example, she said, when she bought something, she wouldn't let herself order it for a long time. Then she would just go to the purchase site and show it to herself. Then she'd let herself get fed the sense-sim, you know, she'd let herself know how it would feel, or what it would smell like. Then she would go away and wouldn't look for a week. Then she would go back finally and order it, but only if it was on back order and wouldn't be shipped immediately. Then finally when it was ready to ship, she'd be like, oh, hey, I don't want it shipped hour rate, I want it slow, slow rate. So it would take like three days to get to her, and then she'd leave it in the box. Finally, she'd open the box just enough to see like the hem of the skirt or whatever. She would touch it, just knowing it was hers. She'd run her fingers along it kind of delicate. Just along the edge of it, not even really letting herself touch it completely, just gently, with her fingertips, or maybe the back of her hand. She would wait for days until she couldn't stand it anymore to take it out and try it on. (29.13)
One way the corporations manipulate consumers in this novel is by constantly telling people they just have to have it now. Now! (Or at least with two-day Prime shipping.) Here, we see Violet's way of resisting this instant-gratification drive that make so many of her peers into rabid, mindless consumers. Hey, more power to her. We sure couldn't do it.
Quote #6
"Whispering makes a narrow place narrower." (30.2)
Titus hears this creepy little message when someone hijacks his feed while he sleeps. The message here is pretty simple: there's danger in resisting, so secrecy matters. We also get some effective imagery, here: whispering requires people to lean in to hear, so space gets more confined. There's a sense, then, that the figurative spaces for rebellion may not be very big—and that rebellion might bring them closer together.