Unity metaphor
Berman describes the paradox of modernity in creating a sense of unity between people in the following passage:
"Modern environments and experiences cut across all boundaries of geography and ethnicity, of class and nationality, of religion and ideology: in this sense, modernity can be said to unite all mankind. But it is a paradoxical unity, a unity of disunity: it pours us all into a maelstrom of perpetual disintegration and renewal, of struggle and contradiction, of ambiguity and anguish."
In one sense, modernity unites people, however, in another sense it unites them under a sense of chaos. This state is described with a metaphor: “it pours us all into a maelstrom of perpetual disintegration and renewal, of struggle and contradiction, of ambiguity and anguish.” Using this metaphor, he describes how humanity is united under a shared sense of the unknown, and adaptation to endless flux and change.
Metaphorical title
The title of this text is taken from a quote by Marx: “All that is solid melts into air.” Marx meant this quote in the sense that the capitalist system is concerned with things such as money, capital, and commodities, which are all abstract concepts with no concrete understanding. Berman takes this quote, and uses is to summarize the modern experience, in which people must constantly respond to change and progression.
The Bronx expressway simile
Berman describes the expressway built in the Bronx: “This arch would be circular and inflatable, suggesting both an automobile tire and a bagel. When fully pumped up, it would look indigestibly hard as a bagel, but ideal as a tire for a fast getaway; when soft, it would appear leaky and dangerous as a tire, but as a bagel, inviting to settle down and eat.” He describes the expressway arch as being “leaky and dangerous as a tire,” which suggests something about the flawed nature of this advancement.
Faust as a metaphor for the modern age
Berman uses Goethe’s iconic character as a metaphor for modern technology and progression. As Faust made a deal with the devil in order to achieve progression and development, Berman argues that the creation of modern technology also requires a sort of sacrifice.
