How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
And [the androids], the outstanding members of the illegal group, were also doomed, since if [Rick] failed to get them, someone else would. Time and tide, he thought. The cycle of life. Ending in this, the last twilight. Before the silence of death. He perceived in this a micro-universe, complete. (16.3)
Just in case you forgot how similar android and human life are, here's a quote to remind you. The androids are persevering against "time and tide," just like Rick and the other human characters. Unfortunately, the androids' "twilight"—a.k.a. death—comes in the shape of a name, badge, and laser gun.
Quote #8
Rachael said, "Do you know what the lifespan of a humanoid robot such as myself is? I've been in existence two years. How long do you calculate I have?"
After a hesitation [Rick] said, "About two more years."
"They never could solve that problem. I mean cell replacement. Perpetual or anyhow semi-perpetual renewal. Well, so it goes." (17.8-10)
Unlike Isaac Asimov's "The Bicentennial Man" robots, Dick's androids only live for 4-5 years. That's the same shelf life as Spam. Doesn't this make Rick's job … a little pointless? If Luba Luft would live for only a few years, then why not let her persevere and fill those years singing that sweet, sweet music?
Quote #9
Once, [Rick] fell; clouds of dust obscured everything, and he ran from the dust—he hurried faster, sliding and tumbling on the loose pebbles. Ahead he saw his parked car. I'm back down, he said to himself. I'm off the hill. (21.20)
The mountain sounds a lot like a landscape torn from the underworld. In fact, it reminds us very much of the Sisyphus myth. We're thinking that this scene depicts Rick's perseverance to live, both metaphorically and literally.