Y2K

Y2K symbolizes fear of the unknown and the limits of control. For Michael, it represents the anxiety of standing on the edge of change: both technological and personal. His obsession with preparing for disaster reflects his struggle to manage uncertainty in a world that feels precarious. On a broader level, Y2K stands for society’s uneasy relationship with progress, as people confront the possibility that their own creations might turn against them. The novel ultimately uses Y2K as a metaphor for transition, showing that growth requires accepting unpredictability rather than resisting it.

Stockpile

Michael’s food stockpile symbolizes his longing for safety and control in a world that feels unstable. By hoarding supplies, he tries to create a barrier between himself and uncertainty, believing that careful preparation can prevent disaster. The stockpile reflects both his practicality and his fear, showing how his...