TECHNOLOGICAL FUTURE IN WILLIAM GIBSON'S AND CORY DOCTOROW’S NOVELS THROUGH THE SCOPE OF PHYSICIST MICHIO KAKU

Abstract

The present paper discusses how science-fiction authors William Gibson and Cory Doctorow predict technological future in their novels, respectively Neuromancer and Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom. A parallel is drawn between their prediction and what physicist Michio Kaku states about technological progress in every aspect in our future life. The curious fact is that some of the technologies described have already come into being, as for others – it is just a matter of time for them to become part of our reality. Another matter of enquiry connected with the theme in pursuit is how this new way of life influences the fictional characters and what their reactions are. I have tried to find out and show how this technology changes their habits, their perception of the world and their attitude toward it altogether. Usually, the characters of both authors are not common persons who accept everything without any resistance, they are rebels: men and women who are aware of how dependent they are on high tech and how slowly but steadily we lose our human features and our souls.