The Apricity Machine

The Apricity Machine symbolizes the search for happiness. While the Corporation’s motto is “Happiness is Apricity” (284), it is people’s search for this emotion that leads them to Apricity. It is part of Williams’ critique of this futuristic society (and, of course our present one), that leads people to view their lives as missing this emotion and willing to pay large fees in order for the Apricity machine to generate a sometimes rather eccentric list of items for clients to feel content.

Weight of Rhett

The weight of Rhett symbolizes power for Rhett but fear for Pearl. Rhett believes his weight is powerful because he overcomes a basic necessity of life: when hungry, he stops himself from eating. However, Pearl sees Rhett’s diminishing weight with fear and anxiety for his survival. For both of them, his weight symbolizes the weight of decisions...