The Diamond Age
The Diamond Age: Or, a Young Lady's Illustrated Primer
Neal Stephenson
- 79-page comprehensive Study Guide
- Chapter-by-chapter summaries and multiple sections of expert analysis
- The ultimate resource for assignments, engaging lessons, and lively book discussions
The Diamond Age Part 1, Chapters 1-15 Summary & Analysis
Part 1
Chapter 1 Summary: “A thete visits a mod parlor; noteworthy features of modern armaments.”
Bud is a low-level criminal who lives in the outskirts of the Chinese Coastal Republic, Shanghai, China (now lapsed into chaos because of changes brought by nanotechnology). Bud goes to a modification parlor to get a bigger skull gun.
Chapter 2 Summary: “Source Victoria; description of its environs.”
Source Victoria processes polluted air and water to clean them and extract molecular materials that can then be assembled into just about anything; people access this nanotechnology through the Feed and matter compilers that assemble cheap, low-quality goods for anyone who needs them. Source Victoria is the primary source of influence for Atlantis/Shanghai, a clave (enclave) of the neo-Victorian phyle (tribe or affinity group) located in Shanghai, the old stomping grounds of imperial England.
Chapter 3 Summary: “Financial complications of Bud’s lifestyle; visit to a banker.”
Despite his bigger skull gun, Bud fails to find work.
