The Dilemma of Return and Lost:Cyberpunk-Style Quest in William Gibson's Novels
The Western quest narrative has deep historical roots.In William Gibson's novels,this narrative takes on a unique form that extends beyond geographical urban spaces into the virtual realm of cyberspace.The pursuit in the real dimension generally follows the trajectory of traditional quest stories,often leading to a positive resolution.When seekers fail in the real world,they are compelled to enter the vast expanse of matrix space,where both private and public quests ultimately end in loss and confusion due to its labyrinthine nature.Within this context,AI serves as a bridge between the quest for art and the pursuit of the irrational,guiding humanity towards a larger digital universe.It reveals the potential for harmonious coexistence and even collaboration between humans and AI at elevated levels.