How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"People will pay any price for motion. They will even work for it. Look at bicycles. Look at Boon. We don't know why." (2.67)
Grandfather likens the automobile to the bike, explaining the mesmerizing effect vehicles of motion have on some folks, such as Boon. So is all this modernization being done out of necessity, or is it being done to hypnotize people and make them buy more things they don't need?
Quote #8
[Miss Ballenbaugh] told us that thirteen automobiles had passed there in the last two years, five of them in the last forty days; she had already lost two hens and would probably have to begin keeping everything penned up, even the hounds. (4.16)
The fact that Miss Ballenbaugh has seen more vehicles in recent days means that modernization is accelerating. It's also physically maiming remnants of a pre-modern era, such as those farm animals. Symbolism alert, folks.
Quote #9
"You said you aint acquainted with automobiles yet. That's one complaint you wont never have to make again for the rest of your life. All right"—to me—"ease her ahead now and whenever she bites, keep her going." (4.60).
Boon teaches Lucius how to drive the Winton Flyer, and there you have it: it's Lucius's initiation into the modern era. He's becoming a pretty tech savvy dude. For 1905, that is.