“Today," she told it, "death comes to all your circuits. Will it be slow and systematic or fast and brutal?" Considering, she circled it, "Tough decision. I've waited so long for this moment. Dreamed of it."Showing her teeth, she began to roll up her sleeves. "What," Roarke asked from the doorway that connected their work areas, "is that?""The former bane of my existence. The Antichrist of technology. Do we have a hammer?"Studying the pile on the floor, he walked in. "Several, I imagine, of various types.""I want all of them. Tiny little hammers, big, wallbangers, and everything in between.""Might one ask why?""I'm going to beat this thing apart, byte by byte, until there's nothing left but dust from the last trembling chip.""Hmmm." Roarke crouched down, examined the pitifully out-of-date system. "When did you haul this mess in here?""Just now. I had it in the car. Maybe I should use acid, just stand here and watch it hiss and dissolve. That could be good."Saying nothing, Roarke took a small case out of his pocket, opened it, and chose a slim tool. With a few deft moves, he had the housing open."Hey! Hey! What're you doing?""I haven't seen anything like this in a decade. Fascinating. Look at this corrosion. Christ, this is a SOC chip system. And it's cross-wired."When he began to fiddle, she rushed over and slapped at his hands. "Mine. I get to kill it.""Get a grip on yourself," he said absently and delved deeper into the guts. "I'll take this into research.""No. Uh-uh. I have to bust it apart. What if it breeds?”
Example of Usage
In this excerpt from J.D. Robb's novel, a character expresses their intense frustration with an outdated piece of technology and decides to take matters into their own hands. The dialogue showcases their determination to destroy the device using various tools, much to the confusion of another character who tries to intervene.
Quote Analysis: The Antichrist of Technology
In this quote from J.D. Robb's novel, the protagonist is personifying a piece of outdated technology as an enemy to be defeated. The protagonist's excitement and determination to destroy the technology reflect a sense of satisfaction and long-awaited revenge. Roarke's curiosity and expertise provide a contrasting viewpoint, hinting at the potential value of the technology despite its obsolescence. This dynamic between the characters adds depth to the scene as they debate the best course of action for disposing of the outdated system.
Modern Relevance
In this excerpt from J.D. Robb's work, the protagonist expresses a deep desire to destroy an outdated piece of technology. This passage highlights the frustration and satisfaction that can come from dealing with obsolete technology in the modern world. The rapid advancement of technology means that devices can quickly become obsolete, leading to feelings of powerlessness and the desire to take matters into one's own hands. This can resonate with many people in today's fast-paced, technology-driven society.
Reflection Questions:
This dialogue excerpt from J.D. Robb's novel raises questions about the protagonist's intense desire to destroy a piece of out-dated technology. Reflect on the following questions:
- What emotions are driving the protagonist's need to destroy the old system?
- How does the interaction between the protagonist and Roarke reflect their respective attitudes towards technology?
- Consider the symbolism of the protagonist wanting to "beat this thing apart, byte by byte." What deeper meaning could this act hold?
- In what ways does this scene explore themes of control, power, and catharsis through the act of destroying the technology?
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“There was never anybody before you," she said. "I just wanted to say that. And when I did what I do, and it opened a crack in me like it did last night, there was nobody there to hold on to me. I didn't want anyone to hold on to me. Until you. And I got through and I got by, and it was okay. But I think, maybe, if I'd just kept getting through and getting by, I'd have come to a point where I couldn't do it anymore. And if I couldn't do it anymore, it'd be the end of me, Roarke. So when you hold on to me, You're helping me stand up, one more time. And the dead, you're standing for them, too. I just wanted to say that." She went out quickly, and left him staring at her.”
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