The Surreal World of the Neuromancer Neuromancer, written by William Gibson, opens with a reference to a blank television screen. This symbol of an altered and incomplete world is referenced throughout the novel. This altered world leads to a dystopia with technologically altered humans sleeping in coffins and addicted to drugs. Because of this harsh life, people are left in a harsh world where they must learn to make friends with others who can get them the supplies they need. Although many things evolve throughout the novel to improve the characters' lives, the novel ends with the same reference to the blank television screen. It returns to the surreal, unidentifiable existence of what life is for these people. Many people in this futuristic world have a type of artificial intelligence, or artificial intelligence. The first introduction to this is the bartender. It is written that "the ancient arm groaned as it took another cup" (4). Although he has an artificial arm that is only about five years old, he is described as an antique using the word lament to give him the characteristics of being old. This shows that technology rapidly improves and changes in their society. Molly is another prevalent character in the novel who has advanced eyes that allow her to see things magnified and with great clarity. One character in particular, Wintermute, has an advanced mind. Although it is a computer, it can, through what appears to be telepathy, make people think and do things. These advancements in their physical and mental characteristics make the characters question who they are. This affects their mental state. The term coffin is used to describe the characters' quarters. As Case's travels show, there appear to be two different types of coffins; one is like a small budget hotel and the other is a wall of small sleeping units that look like a morgue. The first could show how Case lives a confined life, locked in the strict confines of dystopia. In the second, the reference to death reflects the slave life of people. They live a captive life limited by a higher power that runs their world; which is Gibson's vision of the futuristic Earth. This restriction of their lives adds to the dystopia. Drugs play an important role in Molly and Case's lives, adding another dimension to their complex lifestyles..