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Terms
The empathy box serves as a cornerstone of Mercerism, the dominant religion in the novel. It is designed to connect users to a collective virtual experience of suffering and perseverance through the figure of Wilbur Mercer. By grasping the handles of the box, people are immersed in a shared vision where they climb a hill alongside Mercer, enduring hardships and setbacks.
Empathy Box Quotes in Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
The Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? quotes below are all either spoken by Empathy Box or refer to Empathy Box. For each quote, you can also see the other terms and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
).
Chapter 15
Quotes
“Mercer,” Rick said.
“I am your friend,” the old man said. “But you must go on as if I did not exist. Can you understand that?” He spread empty hands.
“No,” Rick said. “I can’t understand that. I need help.”
“How can I save you,” the old man said, “if I can’t save myself?” He smiled. “Don’t you see? There is no salvation.”
“Then what’s this for?” Rick demanded. “What are you for?”
“To show you,” Wilbur Mercer said, “that you aren’t alone. I am here with you and always will be. Go and do your task, even though you know it’s wrong.”
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Explanation and Analysis:
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Empathy Box Term Timeline in Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
The timeline below shows where the term Empathy Box appears in Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 2
...weighs heavily on him, creating a physical and psychological void. Seeking relief, he activates his empathy box , a device that allows him to experience a shared struggle with others by merging...
(full context)
Along with the physical sensations, John hears the thoughts of countless others connected to the empathy box , sharing the same experience. A rock strikes his arm during the climb, leaving a...
(full context)
Chapter 6
John attempts to connect further by discussing Mercerism and the empathy boxes that allow people to share their struggles, but the woman dismisses their importance. When he...
(full context)
Chapter 15
...short-lived. Iran suggests going back to their apartment to give thanks to Mercer via the empathy box , an act she sees as a moral obligation in light of their newfound fortune....
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Back in their apartment, Iran eagerly connects to the empathy box , immersing herself in Mercerism. Watching her, Rick reflects on his growing disillusionment with the...
(full context)
Chapter 18
...John that the truth does not negate the value of what people experience through the empathy box . He restores the spider’s legs, placing it back in John’s hands.
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...takes command, ordering the lights to be turned off and directing John to leave his empathy box and prepare to help. The apartment falls into tense silence as the androids ready themselves...
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Chapter 19
John grips the empathy box handles as the lights in his apartment go out. Irmgard and Pris urgently instruct him...
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Chapter 21
...suddenly strikes him, evoking the familiar yet unsettling sensation of fusion with Mercer from the empathy box . This time, however, the experience feels profoundly different because he endures it alone. Shaken,...
(full context)
