The User is Offline – Disconnection from the Real World within the Hyperreality of the Cyberpunk Novel Moxyland by Lauren Beukes
The User is Offline – Disconnection from the Real World within the Hyperreality of the Cyberpunk Novel Moxyland by Lauren Beukes

Summary/Abstract: This paper attempts to show a correlation between the notions of the spectacle and hyperreality and Lauren Beukes' novel Moxyland by analyzing the aforementioned within the context of the cyberpunk genre and dystopian traits. In addition, the paper sheds light on disembodiment and alienation. The data is analyzed in terms of the content and specific examples taken from the novel. The notion of the spectacle was the guiding line through which other topics have surfaced in the composition. The ideas presented in subsequent paragraphs all refer back to the main idea, namely the spectacle and hyperreality. The aim is to interpret and contextualize the previously mentioned phenomena of the spectacle through a close reading of the text and provide a window into pressing questions of the contemporary society. After a brief introduction, the paper provides a short overview of the term and the genre of cyberpunk while referring to excerpts from the novel. It neatly connects to the idea of alienation as one of the traits of the genre which in turn brings about the characteristics of dystopia. Then, the paper moves on to the main idea of the spectacle and its interconnectedness with hyperreality. Throughout, excerpts from the novel underpin the notions and ideas presented using the words of the author herself. The last paragraph offers a brief overall conclusion of the work. The paper also includes References. The bibliography referred to in this paper consists of 22 references including books, articles and web pages.

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