The nature of time in Ready
Player One that I have repeatedly noticed is the parallel between time in
OASIS and in real life. Much of the population escapes the struggles of every
day life through immersing themselves in virtual reality. As Wade plays the game,
he builds a relationship with Art3mis through their quest to conquer the
challenges of the game. Each second in the game proves vital as other teams
compete to be the first to discover the egg. As Wade and Art3mis compete in
OASIS, their relationship builds. However, questions arise of the person on the
other side of the avatar.
The relationship between the two players draws particular
attention to the distinctions of time between the virtual world and the real
world that each player exists in. The duality of this situation creates an
intriguing complex. As time moves in the virtual world, so too does it in the
real world. As the relationship between Wade and Art3mis grows in the virtual
world, the building necessity for physical interaction occurs. Most of the time
they spend together initially takes place in a virtual world, while they are in
varying places in reality. However, the two come together at the end of the
novel, as Wade professes his feelings for his counterpart.
The relationship between the two does not fully come to
fruition until the finale of the novel. It is not until Wade becomes infinitely
rich through his victory that Art3mis and he come together completely. While
the two came together early on in the novel in the virtual world, it takes more
time for their union in the real world. The delay between virtual and real
world union illustrates the differentiation between the two worlds, specifically
the passing of time between each.
I have noticed a similar parallel in the past few weeks in
my life. Recently, a video game called Fortnite has become extremely popular.
With that being said, I have spent much time playing the game…probably too
much. Although I have not cultivated an online relationship through the game, I
have noticed the amount of time that passes while I play. I have particularly
realized how fast time outside of the game moves. The predicament I find myself
in is that I must now pay more attention to time outside of the game, as it
seems that I have become too immersed to notice it otherwise.
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