In "Bleeding Edge" by Thomas Pynchon, the author navigates the complexities of life in the early 2000s, addressing themes of technology and culture amid the post-9/11 landscape. The story unfolds through the eyes of its protagonist, who grapples with a rapidly changing world while maintaining a sense of humor and skepticism about the forces at play.

The quote, "I haven't sold my soul yet—well, maybe a couple bars of rhythm and blues here and there," reflects a lighthearted acknowledgment of compromise in the pursuit of personal and artistic integrity. It highlights the tension between personal authenticity and the demands of society, which is a recurring motif in Pynchon's work.