The Apricity 480. . .the size of a deck of cards, the machine had fluted edges and a light gray casing that reflected a subtle sheen, like the smoke inside a fortune-teller’s ball.”
-- Pearl (chapter 1)

Importance: The Apricity machine is the main technological advance described in William’s novel. Its job is relaying a person’s individual guide to happiness. Although Pearl has seen it work thousands of times in her job at the Apricity Corporation, it rarely works for the characters in this novel.

I guess I have to accept that people won’t always do what's best for them.
-- Pearl (chapter 1)

Importance: Pearl speaks these words about her client at work, a woman who did not want to take Apricity’s suggestions. However, the words are spoken to Rhett and clearly could be intended as criticism of Rhett’s inability to eat. Although seemingly nonchalant and offered as a realization that she cannot control what...