Find quotes from this novel, with commentary from Shmoop. Pick a theme below to begin.
Language and Communication Quotes
"We've got two kinds of language in our heads. The kind we're using now is acquired. It patterns our brains as we're learning it. But there's also a tongue that's based in the deep structures of th...
Visions of America Quotes
Abkhazia had been part of the Soviet f***ing Union. A new immigrant from Abkhazia trying to operate a microwave was like a deep-sea tube worm doing brain surgery. Where did they get these guys? Wer...
Technology and Modernization Quotes
Hiro picks up the goggles. As he brings them up toward his eyes, he sees the image: a wall of black-and-white static. Da5id's computer has snow-crashed. He closes his eyes and drops the goggles. Yo...
Religion Quotes
"Many Pentecostal Christians believe that the gift of tongues was given to them so that they could spread their religion to other peoples without having to actually learn their language." (27.43)
Family Quotes
The Deliverator had to borrow some money to pay for it. Had to borrow it from the Mafia, in fact […] it was like being in a family. A really scary, twisted, abusive family. (1.22)
Strength and Skill Quotes
Hiro's heart and lungs are well developed, and he has been blessed with unusually quick reflexes, but he is not intrinsically strong, the way his father was. (24.2)
Rules and Order Quotes
You can't just materialize anywhere in the Metaverse, like Captain Kirk beaming down from on high. This would be confusing and irritating to the people around you. (5.5)
Prejudice Quotes
It was, of course, nothing more than sexism, the especially virulent type espoused by male techies who sincerely believe that they are too smart to be sexists. (7.10)