Spiraling

The Age of Earthquakes is a very unorthodox text standing out most obviously because of the way it is structured. Basar, Obrist, and Coupland comment on current social means in light of technological advances, and the text, I believe, is structured in accordance. Although the text is scattered, unorganized, and often very abrupt, it is through the entropy of the text that the core theme of the book - that social development parallels technological development - is relayed to the fullest extent, while also conforming to the apparent ‘loss of narrative,’ and is ultimately able to reflect the madness of today’s media. Beyond structural disorder, short and redundant syntax as well as changing images reflect a quickening pace of life in the technological age. The text itself is read at such a pace that emphasizes a lack of control thereby illustrating the concept of time in the modern era being pulled by technological advancement. The images similarly, are flipped and never repeated once more pushing the pace of the novel. At the same time, the images call for conformity to the internet as a means for relatability. These images push, and conform to the dull coloration and monotonic nature of technology. So while every image is new, they are all dull, black and white, and homogenous as is this new reality for human independence. In addition, the perspective and narration of The Age of Earthquakes compels the reader directly in such a way that one has no choice but to follow through the motions, as one does with technology. Overall, The Age of Earthquakes was a meaningful read and compelling commentary that used a wide variety of literary techniques to propel, illustrate, and even reflect the idea that we, as humanity, are changing in coherence with technological advancement. (296)

Uninarrativization

(n.)

Uninarrativization is the subscription and belief

in only a single story. Uninarrativization dictates

that you are not real but are merely a tic on the

internet and without the internet, you would not

even be a tic. There is only one grand net to which

all people belong.

Alex Pham, 3A, Hendricks