How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
The pumping station was already being rebuilt. As soon as it was all brash and red-brickibus, Rose would fall ill. I had another plan, though. We could stow away on the London-Swanton line. (12.71)
Losing faith in her ability to stop or even slow down this next development in their town, Briony plans instead to use their modern technology to escape. Is it hopeless to fight against modern developments?
Quote #8
Each wheel was a spun-candy confection of metalwork. In front, protuberant car eyes peered from protective brass hoods. A brass eagle perched on her nose. (25.23)
The motorcar here is a direct representation of the new modern world—everyone is enamored with this new machine, and even Briony (an Old One) says she is in love with it. How quickly humans become interested in the newest thing.
Quote #9
They'll drain the swamp into a scab. The Old Ones will have nowhere to live. And if that doesn't kill them, industry will. [...] The Old Ones can't survive a world filled with metal. They can't survive the clatter and growl of machinery. (32.157)
This is a sobering take on the direction that technology and modernization will take their town. Humans develop these new technologies with the idea of making things better, but they are often sacrificing more than they truly know. Which again begs the question, is it all really worth it?