Paul’s interest in farming continues in this section, as he considers buying the only farm in his area that still exists. The farm itself is a perfect representation of his desire to go back to a time before machines ruled the country. This, he thinks, will finally make him happy, apparently believing that automation is at the root of his discontent. And yet, it’s worth noting that machines haven’t done anything to interfere with his life. Unlike the people living in Homestead, he hasn’t been rendered obsolete by automation, so it doesn’t quite make sense that simply living a life free of machines will make him happy. Nonetheless, he continues to romanticize the idea of a simple, old-fashioned life.