In Saturday, the rise of globalization and modern technologies creates a sense of postmodern disillusionment in the characters, giving rise to a search for deeper meaning. Globalization refers to the interconnectedness of countries, economies, and cultures across the world. It is a process that has been happening for centuries but has accelerated significantly in the last few decades due to advancements in technology and communication.

Saturday is set in a post-9/11 Western society, where the crisis in the Middle East was due, in part, to globalization and Western interference. Throughout the novel, Henry notes individuals of different cultures in the city, wondering about the conflicts going on in their own countries and showing his expanding awareness of the world. However, with this expanding awareness also comes a new set of fears and anxieties. Henry ponders the expansion of moral complexities into all areas of life, made possible by the modern world:

It was once convenient to think biblically, to believe we’re surrounded for our benefit by edible automata on land and sea. Now it turns out that even fish feel pain. This is the growing complications of the modern condition, the expanding circle of moral sympathy (128).

With more knowledge of ethical impact than ever before, the Western world struggles with the endless repercussions of any small choice.