Pattern Recognition

Historical Context and Significance

William Gibson's novel Pattern Recognition, published in 2003, is a significant work in the cyberpunk and postmodernism genres. The book delves into themes of globalization, digital culture, and the internet's impact on society. The protagonist, Cayce Pollard, works in marketing and is tasked with finding the source of mysterious video clips circulating online. Gibson masterfully depicts the world post-September 11, 2001, highlighting changes in the perception of security and information. The novel has had a considerable influence on literature and culture, anticipating many aspects of the modern digital age, such as viral marketing and internet phenomena.