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April 15, 2006
Diamond Age
In the first half of this book, I was a bit overwhelmed at the cultural references and the tribes. I became even more overwhelmed by the technology, but the way it is being used to save Nell's life is starting to reel me in.
“…Miranda never needed much evidence to confirm her belief that rich parents were just as capable of fucking with their children’s minds as anyone.” (136)
The relationship between Nell and Miranda that seems to be developing reminds me that even though there are so many advances during this time, there is sadl, poor children like Nell who have so much potential and are still getting screwed because of their parents. I guess it goes to show that all the technology in the world and the things that we have to save time and make things easier can sometimes ruin the relationships that we are trying to build by using them. I also enjoyed how PhyrePhox (another clever name) was enjoying his torture and seemed to be the one torturing Dr. Fang more. The Dinosaur’s Tale made me think of the relationship between Nell as Dojo (who perhaps is teaching Nell humility) and Miranda as the King. I love watching Nell advance through these books and it would be rather amazing to see our own children get that much out of a book some day.
“He turned away and saw that the young woman was smiling at him. It was not a flirting smile or a silly girlish smile but a calm and confident smile. Judge Fang supposed that wherever Dr. X was on this ship, he must be smiling in much the same way at this moment.” (167) Judge Fang has seen how much the Young Lady’s Illustrated Primer could help these young girls, he begins to understand PhyrePhox and is seeking Hackworth’s value in this situation. While at first I was daunted by the technology, I am now interested in the plight of Nell. This is the first science fiction book I have ever read (I’m embarrassed to admit it), but it’s great because it actually has a plot. It is not all about aliens plotting Armageddon, but a story of human relationships as well. It’s sad that Nell’s mother loves to be tortured and loathes Victorian men, but I am enjoying watching Nell’s progress. When she beat up Kevin on the playground and is reading and making up her own stories, it really shows. I also liked the sign about sending a gun to protect British homes. Nowadays, gun laws are so strict and many people just want them to hunt and protect their families. Sometimes, they are abused and I’m glad they are strict. When I read about children shooting each other in the papers, I want to blame the parents. The importance of parent/child relationships and learning seem to be prominent in this book, what do you think?
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Posted by ErinWaite at April 15, 2006 01:22 PM