“There was even the suspicion of tears in [Niccolo’s] dark eyes, a luxury an eleven-year-old could allow himself only when alone.”

This early characterization of Niccolo shows a greater affinity between himself and the Bard than he lets on. It also hints at a secret regard for the Bard’s old-fashioned stories. However, this disposition is gradually eroded by Paul’s critiques and Niccolo’s shame at his own sensitivity and interest.

“Paul said, ‘Boy, that is an old model,’ and looked at it critically. Despite Niccolo’s own bitterness against the Bard, he winced at the other’s condescending tone.”

These lines further demonstrate Niccolo’s internal conflict. Paul, who is more consciously engaged in the world of computers, disapproves of the Bard, while Niccolo, less invested in programming, seems to feel some connection to it. This insight into Niccolo’s feelings signifies the beginning of the boys’ tension and of Niccolo’s gradual concession to Paul’s worldview, emphasizing the theme of Conformity and Control.

“Nicky was a little afraid of Paul anyway, since Paul had special courses at school and everyone said he was going to grow up to be a Computing Engineer.”

A power imbalance between Niccolo and Paul arises here, with Paul using his academic prowess to dominate the conversation. This moment also hints at a social stratification within the society at large, determined by one’s ability to program and understand computers. On a larger scale, the power imbalance between the two boys hints at the power balance in this society between technology and humans.