The Soul of the New Machine
Over the last two decades, a technological revolution has occurred as computers have become essential to our society. The rapid development of computer technologies has brought people infinite convenience and a higher standard of living. However, increasing numbers of people have lost their souls and identities because of excessively immersing their lives in the cyberspace. In high-tech corporations, many employees lack social skills, forming their own unique computer culture. This cultural phenomenon is interesting in that it challenges the meaning of modern technology in the terms of seeking a better life. In Microserfs, Douglas Coupland explores the nature of life through the eyes of a code tester at Microsoft, Daniel Underwood. Through Daniel's diary, we come to see the aimlessness of the computer geeks' life, one that is dependent upon computers and modern technology. Coupland describes his character's attempt to find the meaning of life in an environment devoid of social or personal lives, addressing the significance of human contact and interaction in today's society. Coupland uses the diary style, appeals to the emotions, compares humans and machines, and explores changes in characters'
Indeed, all the audience shares Daniel's love and is happy for him. Evoking sympathy in the audience may trigger interest in finding out the results. Daniel tells us, "I was PowerBooking my journal entry and I could feel Karla watching me, and I got a little self-conscious. I said, 'I guess it's sort of futile trying to keep a backup file of my personal memories. Diaries are usually used to keep personal memories and secrets, and importantly human beings have the natural desire to explore the unknown. Coupland also employs a comparison of the human body to machines to demonstrate how Daniel and his roommates lead unbalanced lives devoid of social activities or relationships with the outside world. Thus, it is not difficult for the audience to picture Daniel and his peers' limited lives. With these kinds of humorous comparisons throughout his novel, Coupland highlights Daniel and his friends' unbalance lives as well as hints at the overwhelming effects of love and intimacy that will come in the later chapters. The words "glad" and "at least" imply that Daniel rarely interacts with people but is emotionally and instinctively happy when he does. Therefore, he heavily relies on his diary to communicate. By describing himself as "an underachiever," Coupland informs us of Daniel's sadness that he is unable to enjoy the life as he wishes. One who is unsatisfied with living in a home-Microsoft-Costco three-point line life and struggling to retain his soul and identity in an increasingly confusing environment. Examining the development of Abe's character and philosophy, readers understand that life is not simply a warm-blooded machine that is satisfied by generating green paper, but a fuller creature in need of love and care to carry on its mission.
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