Essay Questions

What is the attitude towards technology, artificial intelligence in particular, in the novel?

The novel closely explores the theme of technology by presenting a world where technological advancement has come a long way. It presents a widely discussed aspect of simulated reality, where the video gaming world has been taken to the next level, players being active participants in the world, instead of controlling an avatar via controller. Technological advancements are seen as an inevitable part of humanity, and the novel ends on that note as well when it comes to the artificial intelligence. Rather than seeing it as an evil that will bring end upon the humanity, AI is seen as another gift for improvement bestowed upon humans.

In what way is the “chaotic good” reflected in Wade’s character?

Wade’s avatar alignment is revealed to be “chaotic good”. Wade is a character that perfectly fits this alignment. His decision-making is based on a good moral compass in what he sees right or wrong. He is guided by his inner voice, which isn’t always necessarily good, as seen in the example of Oni: he decides to release the technology into the world seeing more benefit than danger in it, but he doesn’t significantly consider the possible negative effects upon the society.

What does the end reveal about AI and Wade’s attitude towards simulated reality?

The novel ends with a positive attitude towards AI as a gift that will benefit humanity, enabling immortality. Nevertheless, it is clear at the end that AI’s, despite being derived from human consciousness, at some point become independent living entities, different from their human counterparts. Wade’s attitude towards simulated reality changes at the end-he refuses to use the Oni technology, deciding that the real world is much better.