Category Archives: VF for Snow Crash

Mertonian Criminology Examines the Characters of Snow Crash

Criminologist Robert Merton’s Anomie theory sheds intellectually significant perspectives on the behavior of the characters in Snowcrash. Anomie theory suggests that it is impossible for all people to legally achieve the American Dream, that of grand economic success. Therefore, there … Continue reading

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Gang Life, Inc. & The Mixed Symbolism of Snow Crash

Snow Crash is a strange novel in a lot of ways but one of the most surreal passages of the story revolves around the scene in which Sushi K is rapping in an attempt to appeal to West Coast street … Continue reading

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The “hiro” of Neuromancer?

Hiro Protagonist is aptly named because of his position as the main character of the book, as well as his role as the story’s “hero”. The direct language of Neal Stephenson is evident here, because he clearly states Hiro’s role … Continue reading

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Slipping by Surveillance

One of the biggest themes in Snowcrash is privacy. There is virtually no privacy in the futuristic world in which the novel is set. Retinal scanners can capture even the minutest details of any passerby’s life. In class we discussed … Continue reading

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The Mysteries of Language

A few milliseconds before I type these words, I am thinking in my head. And a few milliseconds after you are reading these words, you are processing them in your head. You are drawing meaning from small markings on a … Continue reading

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The Most Powerful Technology

Language’s role in Snow Crash can be prominently seen in both its syntax and word choice as well as in its plot. Names like Hiro Protagonist and slang words like burbclaves and paddle (to describe skateboard) create a world that … Continue reading

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Parallels to modern life

In class on Wednesday, the presenters brought up an interesting inquiry with their discussion questions: can the you, the reader, see parallels in Snow Crash to our current society, and do you think those connections are promising or threatening? To … Continue reading

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