My final paper will reveal the theme of escape in cyberpunk and why that theme is so dominant. I'll probably analyze half a dozen vital cybeprunk stories, Snow Crash included. Stephenson focuses particularly on this theme stressing why escape is so important. Just look at the summary on the back cover: "In reality, Hiro Protagonist delivers pizzas for Uncle Enzo's CostaNostra Pizza Inc., but in the Metaverse he's a warrior prince." The status of each character allows them no maneuverability to became a hero. Hiro lives in a storage facility and delivers pizzas. Y.T. is repeatedly referred to as just a kid; Hiro frequently condescends her and withholds info from her, Uncle Enzo views her as almost a daughter to be protected, and her mother doesn't trust her enough to be able to swallow what Y.T. really does when away from home. Stephenson expresses particular interest to what becomes of individuals of society who wish to achieve financial stability as exemplified in Y.T. mother and Fedland. Slavery to and stagnation within the government is the sacrifice for stability. The escape, however, is one of limitless heroism and self-importance in the Metaverse. Here the cyberpunk hero of hacker is infused with all the glory and heroism through Hiro. Stephenson emphasizes how in Metaverse, hackers, who in reality may be lounging in the back seat of a striped cadillac, are now "princes" in this realm. Through the Metaverse, they have access to the world and its information. Because of the Metaverse, this escape, the usually insignificant figures of Hiro and Y.T. are allowed to "save the world." Basically, the characters need to escape or face the reality of their insignificance or their destined life of slavery (Fedland) to achieve stability. Their means to escape is the cyberpunk invention, Metaverse, which provides them information and contact with the whole world, which then reflects on their real world. Ultimately they achieve a level of self-importance and adventure not available without the Metaverse.

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